Pentagon's Migrant Flight to El Salvador Under Probe

A top Democratic senator has requested an investigation into a U.S. military flight that deported migrants to El Salvador without civilian oversight. Concerns arise due to legal, immigration policy violations. The Pentagon labeled the flight a 'counter-terrorism' mission, sparking further scrutiny.

Senator Jack Reed, a prominent Democratic lawmaker, has urged the Pentagon's Inspector General to investigate a controversial U.S. military flight deporting migrants to El Salvador. The operation, absent U.S. civilian personnel, potentially breaches immigration laws and policies.

The March 30 deportation flight from Guantanamo Bay to El Salvador marked an anomaly in typical operations as Pentagon labeled it a 'counter-terrorism' mission, bypassing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) involvement. Reed, in a letter to the Department of Defense, questioned the legal authority for such a flight.

While the Pentagon refrained from commenting on the matter, DHS distanced itself from the operation, placing responsibility on the Department of Defense. Amidst legal challenges, concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive deportation tactics continue to rise.

(With inputs from agencies.)