A new data analysis shared exclusively with the Guardian reveals that Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign has spurred at least an 80% increase in immigration enforcement flights year over year, significantly accelerating the climate crisis by emitting massive amounts of carbon dioxide.
"We've seen a staggering increase of all US immigration enforcement flights, including the number of flights as well as the locations that the flights are going to," said Savitri Arvey, the director of research and analysis for refugee and immigrant rights at Human Rights First, a US advocacy group.
Carbon Emissions from ICE Deportation Flights
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) air operations pumped out an estimated 335,876 tonnes (370,240 US tons) of carbon emissions in 2025, an 88% increase from the year before. The first four months of 2026 indicate the federal agency is on track to contribute even more to global heating this year from such flights, the Guardian can reveal.
Other Major News
US Strikes Iranian Missile Sites: The US has launched strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The strikes occurred during a seven-week ceasefire, but both sides downplayed hopes for an imminent peace deal. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins characterized the action as "defensive," stressing that the strikes did not indicate the ceasefire was over.
Ebola Outbreak in DRC: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is outpacing response efforts. WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced 220 suspected deaths so far and urged neighboring countries to take immediate action. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.
Japan's Tax Suspension Hurdle: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her pledge to suspend an 8% sales tax on food is being thwarted by uncooperative cash registers that retailers say are not designed for a tax of 0%.
Russia-Ukraine Tensions: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pressed the US to evacuate staff from its embassy in Kyiv during a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russia has threatened "systematic strikes" on the Ukrainian capital and demanded that foreigners leave.
WW2 Soldier Remains Returned: The remains of US Army Private First Class John A Walko, killed during the Battle of Aachen in Germany on October 20, 1944, were returned to his Pennsylvania hometown after DNA analysis identified him.
Climate Check
Michigan is emerging as one of America's worst-hit climate states, with recent flooding and tornadoes part of a wider trend. Severe weather events from past years continue to place huge financial burdens on residents.
Culture Pick
Netflix's drama Nemesis, starring Matthew Law and Y'lan Noel, starts as a seemingly cliched cop show but quickly becomes a ridiculously entertaining series packed with betrayals, unexpected alliances, and high-stakes heists.
