The French men's national soccer team has been using an aircraft operated by Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) for domestic flights to World Cup games in North America, according to a report from The Guardian. The same aircraft has been used for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal flights as part of the Trump administration's deportation program.
A video posted on the team's Instagram showed players boarding a GlobalX plane, with the airline's logo visible on overhead compartments. The aircraft had previously transported detained immigrants between Arizona and Louisiana earlier this month, before flying the French team on July 4.
GlobalX operates more than half of ICE removal flights in recent years. The company also has contracts with the English and Iranian national teams for transportation during the FIFA tournament.
The situation has drawn attention due to the contrast between the team's political stance and the aircraft's use. French star Kylian Mbappé, who has African heritage, has spoken out against far-right anti-immigration policies. Several teammates share his views, reflecting France's diverse population.
The Trump administration's deportation program is the largest in U.S. history, targeting approximately 11 million undocumented individuals. It involves ICE, Border Patrol, and the National Guard, with an allocated budget of $170 billion.