New York Times reports US discussions on deporting migrants by sea

The Trump administration is considering using ships to deport migrants to Central and South America, The New York Times reported, citing two US officials. No final decision has been made.

RIA Novosti’s October 9 account of the report names ferries and Golden Bear, a training vessel in California, among the possible options. The vessel is about 500 feet, or 152 metres, long. Journeys could take several days.

According to the newspaper, discussions remain preliminary. The defence department has also contacted companies about ships in Europe. The report does not describe signed contracts or the start of such journeys.

Deportation by sea would require arrangements for security, accommodation during the journey and logistics. The newspaper cited a US government estimate that a trip could cost millions of dollars, while flights are substantially cheaper.

The approach could shift some deportation costs from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon. It is also unclear whether receiving countries would agree to the transport arrangements.

Trump has made expanded deportations a focus of his immigration policy. At his inauguration, he pledged to stop unlawful entry and begin mass removals, and declared an emergency at the southern border.