Recent data indicates a significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions resulting from US immigration enforcement flights. Analysis shows that air operations managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement produced over 335,000 metric tonnes of CO2 in 2025, with emissions continuing to climb into 2026. The expansion of these flight operations includes new routes to Africa and Asia, supported by a budget increase of 205 million dollars. Environmental researchers warn that the surge in chartered flights contributes to local air pollution in transit hubs and adds to the broader global climate crisis.
