Immigrants restrained 51 hours on deportation flight across six countries during record ICE month
May 15, 2026

Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted at least 245 removal flights in April 2026, marking a monthly record since tracking began in 2020. One flight bound for Poland and Moldova made stops in Armenia, Georgia, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan over 51 hours, with passengers physically restrained throughout the entire journey including during layovers and fuel stops. The surge in deportations was driven largely by increased flights to Mexico and an expansion of third-country removals, where immigrants are deported to nations where they have no citizenship or family connections. Human Rights First reported that these operations lack transparency and due process protections.
Sources
- uk-times.com
- ICE strapped down immigrants for 51-hour plane trip with drop-offs in six countries during record month for deportation flights, report finds
uk.news.yahoo.com·May 14, 2026·archived copy
- ICE physically restrained deportees in 51-hour flight to six countries, report finds
the-independent.com·May 17, 2026·archived copy
independent.co.uk·May 17, 2026·archived copy
- New ICE Flight Monitor Report Shows Immigration Enforcement Flights Reach Record High in March 2026 Amid Ongoing Third Country Transfers
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