Portugal World Cup Team Flew on ICE Deportation Plane 2026

The Portugal men's soccer team flew to a World Cup match on a GlobalX plane that is also used for ICE deportations, raising serious ethical questions. The aircraft, tail number N837VA, transported the team to Dallas on 4 July for a match against Spain. Just a day before and after, the same plane was used in the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, including a controversial flight that sent over 200 Venezuelans to a Salvadoran mega-prison.

The Plane's Dual Role in Sports and Deportations

Flight records confirm that the Airbus A320 operated by Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The plane was central to the March 2025 deportation of Venezuelan migrants to Cecot, a notorious prison in El Salvador. Despite a judge ordering the flights to turn around, they proceeded, violating due process.

How the Connection Was Uncovered

A video posted by El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, clearly shows the same tail number on the deportation flight. Ricardo Quaresma of the Portuguese football federation confirmed that FIFA organized the flight. FIFA has not responded to requests for comment, but the link has sparked outrage among human rights advocates.

Comparison of GlobalX Flight Usage

This table shows the stark contrast in the plane's use within a 48-hour window, highlighting the intersection of sports and immigration enforcement.

Key Takeaways

• The Portugal team flew on a GlobalX plane used for ICE deportations.
• The same aircraft was involved in the illegal deportation of Venezuelans to a mega-prison.
• FIFA organized the flight but has not commented.
• Trump's friendship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has raised concerns.
• The Guardian's investigation revealed GlobalX's role in moving thousands of detainees.

FIFA and Trump's Controversial Relationship

Donald Trump has called FIFA President Gianni Infantino a "great friend", and their relationship has come under scrutiny during this World Cup. A red card against the US men's team was dismissed after a personal phone call between the two leaders, fueling accusations of favoritism. This latest revelation adds to the controversy surrounding FIFA's ethics.

Impact on Immigration Policy

The Trump administration's deportation program has been criticized for lacking transparency. Detainees were often transported without notice to families or legal counsel, as documented by The Guardian's investigation. Using the same planes for sports teams trivializes the human rights violations involved.

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