A minor administrative error involving a Department of Defense manifest temporarily grounded a U.S. deportation flight headed to Mexico earlier this week. The flight, intended to return undocumented immigrants, was delayed due to the paperwork discrepancy, according to a senior State Department official who spoke with Fox News. Despite the hiccup, the official confirmed that Mexico was prepared to receive the deportees and the issue stemmed solely from the incorrect documentation.

Reports indicate that two Air Force C-17s, each carrying approximately 80 individuals, successfully departed for Guatemala on Thursday night. However, a third flight destined for Mexico was postponed until the paperwork issue was resolved. Fox News reached out to both the White House and the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. for comment.

International deportations necessitate the cooperation of the receiving nation. In this case, cooperation wasn't the problem, the source emphasized. On Thursday alone, roughly 2,000 individuals were deported to Mexico via air and ground transport. Furthermore, Mexican authorities apprehended approximately 5,000 migrants within their own borders.

This incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tension between the U.S. and Mexico over the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has openly expressed her disapproval of Trump's executive orders, including the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy.

The "Remain in Mexico" policy requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their U.S. cases are processed. Prior to his inauguration, Trump pledged a wave of deportations, initially focusing on individuals with criminal records, and promised stricter immigration regulations and vetting processes. The State Department official assured Fox News that Mexico has been cooperative throughout the week and has consented to re-implementing the "Remain in Mexico" program. Trump has also deployed 1,500 active-duty troops to reinforce the military presence at the southern border.

In alignment with Trump's deportation initiative, federal immigration authorities have recently conducted hundreds of arrests, targeting gang members and individuals with prior criminal convictions.