Startling revelations have emerged about the Trump administration's controversial use of federal air marshals during its immigration crackdown. According to internal documents obtained by The Independent, hundreds of air marshals were routinely pulled from commercial flights to staff deportation and immigration-related flights between 2017 and 2021.
Security Concerns Raised
Aviation security experts warn this practice may have left commercial flights dangerously unprotected. "When you remove trained security personnel from passenger aircraft, you're essentially rolling the dice with people's safety," said former Transportation Security Administration official John Cohen.
The Numbers Behind the Operation
- Over 1,600 air marshal missions diverted to immigration flights
- Some weeks saw up to 80% of marshals reassigned
- Commercial flight coverage dropped to historic lows
The documents show Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) became increasingly dependent on air marshals from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transport detained migrants. This occurred as the administration implemented its "zero tolerance" immigration policy, leading to mass deportations.
Whistleblower Accounts
Current and former air marshals describe being pressed into service for immigration flights with minimal training. "We were given a five-minute briefing and expected to handle potentially volatile situations," one marshal revealed anonymously.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the practice, stating all missions were "carefully coordinated" to maintain aviation security. However, critics argue the diversion of resources represented a dangerous politicization of national security priorities.
