Pentagon Deported Migrants: Legal Scrutiny Looms

A senior Democratic lawmaker is pressing the Pentagon's Inspector General to probe a contentious deportation flight involving the U.S. military, which allegedly took 17 migrants to El Salvador without any U.S. government civilians onboard. The incident has sparked scrutiny over its legality, especially without Department of Homeland Security personnel's involvement.

The March 30 flight from Guantanamo Bay marked a divergence from usual protocol, with the Pentagon labeling it a 'counter-terrorism' mission. Senator Jack Reed, leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed concerns in a letter, questioning the authorization and legal backing of such a move.

In response, the Inspector General's office acknowledged receipt of Reed's request, although the Pentagon has not commented publicly. This case highlights ongoing tensions over immigration policy under President Trump, including military deployments and controversial deportations to foreign nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)