I used to fly US aircraft across the world, occasionally carrying people in the back with little or no documentation. Recent reports have highlighted US-registered aircraft stopping at Shannon Airport in Ireland while transporting deportees from America to various destinations. Some of those aboard the US aircraft also lack documentation.

These flights represent a critical component of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation operations. Since Trump's election, a complex international air transportation network with significant geopolitical and human rights implications has evolved. Although I don't have inside information concerning the current Trump Deportation Campaign, I know a little about the mission of deportation flights, the strategic importance of Shannon Airport, and the growing controversy in Ireland surrounding these operations.

The ICE Air Operations Framework

ICE Air Operations (IAO) serves as the primary aviation transportation division of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security to transfer and remove non-citizens via both commercial airlines and chartered flights. This aviation network supports ICE field offices throughout the United States and implements broader Department of Homeland Security initiatives for managing immigration enforcement.

Charter Flight Operations

IAO conducts specialised charter flights that transport detained individuals who have been ordered removed from the United States to their countries of origin. I don't think these operations involve Ireland--unless some illegal Irish are dumped at Shannon after being detained in America. In 2023 alone, ICE Air removed over 140,000 non-citizens using more than 8,000 flights, averaging approximately 32 daily flights.

Special High-Risk Operations

Reading between the lines, I believe ICE Air is running its Special High-Risk Charter flights through Shannon. These flights are for "individuals considered security risks or who have failed to comply with final orders of removal". These operations often involve complex logistics for repatriating individuals to locations worldwide. The operations frequently utilize private contractors such as CSI Aviation, which has received contracts worth up to $128 million for removal flights.

Shannon Airport: Strategic Trans-Atlantic Refueling Hub

Shannon Airport serves as a critical refueling stop for these deportation flights due to several strategic advantages that make it particularly valuable for trans-Atlantic operations. I used Shannon Airport to refuel when fueling heavy cargo from Europe.

Shannon Advantages

Located in County Clare, Ireland, Shannon Airport is the most westerly international airport in Europe. Its location makes it an ideal technical stop for aircraft crossing the Atlantic. It has Ireland's longest runway (3.2 kilometers long), and it can accommodate all aircraft types. Shannon enjoys excellent weather conditions, resulting in minimal airport closures. I used Shannon as an alternate runway when planning missions into fog-laced England during winter months.

One of the best tech stops in Europe

Shannon's reputation as "one of the best tech stops in Europe" stems from its operational efficiencies, including:

• Low fuel prices and no value-added taxes
• Dedicated aviation fuel hydrant system offering all-day, year-round fueling service
• Uncongested facilities allowing for quick turnarounds
• Minimal commercial traffic that might otherwise delay operations

The airport's fuel storage facility is the largest within Ireland, capable of holding over 50 days of stock, ensuring reliable service for aircraft making trans-Atlantic journeys.

Recent Deportation Flights Through Shannon

In May 2025, several controversial deportation flights traversed Shannon Airport, bringing increased scrutiny to these operations.

The Djibouti Deportation Incidents

Flight tracking data cross-checked by the Irish Examiner revealed that a privately-owned Gulfstream jet stopped at Shannon Airport en route to Djibouti after departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed this aircraft was transporting eight men to Djibouti in contravention of a US court order blocking these deportations. The department characterized these individuals as "violent criminals," though this characterization has been contested in some cases.

The deportees reportedly originated from various countries including Vietnam, Cuba, Myanmar, Laos, and Mexico. This same aircraft returned to Shannon for a second time just days later, again en route to Djibouti, raising additional questions about ongoing deportation operations.

Aircraft and Contractors Involved

The deportation flights operate through a complex network of government contracts and private aviation companies:

• CSI Aviation serves as a major contractor for ICE deportation flights, having received federal funding totaling at least $1.6 billion since 2005.
• CSI works with subcontractors such as GlobalX, whose planes conducted 74% of ICE's 1,564 removal flights in 2024.
• In a particularly notable case, a Boeing 737 previously used as JD Vance's campaign plane (known as "Trump Force Two") has been chartered multiple times for deportation missions to Central American countries.

Legal Framework and Controversy

The use of Shannon Airport for deportation flights has generated significant controversy, particularly regarding legal oversight and human rights concerns.

Irish Legal Position

According to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, US flights carrying deportees and stopping over in Ireland do not require government clearance because they are classified as civil flights rather than military operations. The Department of Transport has explained that these flights operate under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), which provides for the right of air operators to conduct non-scheduled overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes such as refueling.

Political and Human Rights Concerns

Irish opposition politicians have raised significant concerns about these operations. Labour leader Ivana Bacik described it as "unconscionable that an Irish airport could be used as an instrument to violate human rights". Critics have specifically questioned:

• Whether armed guards are present on these flights.
• Ireland's potential complicity in deportation operations that may violate court orders.
• The lack of transparency regarding what passes through Irish airspace.

In a parliamentary exchange, Labour accused the government of showing "an astounding lack of curiosity" about the use of Shannon for deportation flights. Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded that "the minister for foreign affairs is investigating that, along with the minister for transport," though concrete action has yet to be announced.

Judicial Scrutiny in the United States

These deportation operations have faced legal challenges within the United States. Federal District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy criticized the Trump administration for its failure to offer due process to deportees. In a 17-page court order, Judge Murphy noted that while the deportees had criminal histories, "that does not change due process". The administration's deportation efforts have included broadening eligibility categories for deportation and accelerating removal processes for certain groups.

The Delicate Balance

The mission of US-registered aircraft stopping at Shannon Airport before continuing to destinations for deportee disembarkation represents a significant component of America's immigration enforcement strategy. These operations leverage Shannon's strategic position and excellent facilities to facilitate the international transport of individuals subject to removal orders from the United States.

If Ireland introduces any friction into these on-going deportation flights, Irish politicians should expect retaliatory pressures from the Trump Regime. That could include specific tariffs levied on Irish beef and dairy products along with the full force of the American government levied on senior management of multinationals operating in Ireland to reduce their corporate presence in the Republic of Ireland.

Knowing the caustic declarations that emanate on a daily basis from the White House, it's probably best to keep the spotlight on technical compliance under established aviation agreements. It could be a simple matter to position an armored vehicle from the Irish Defence Forces at the nose of these deportation aircraft as members of the Garda National Immigration Bureau cross-check the documentation of those aboard the charter flights. The current deportation operations, operating as commercial flights, do not enjoy the sanctuary status of a military aircraft. This means officials at Shannon could poke around inside and outside the visiting aircraft to ensure everything is operating safely and in compliance with international human rights standards.

Ireland wouldn't want to be seen as a hub for international trafficking. A clear indicator of human trafficking is the absence of valid passports. There is an Irish law concerning that offence.