Key Takeaways
• Anonymous hacked GlobalX on May 5, 2025, exposing sensitive deportation flight data connected to the Trump administration.
• Stolen information included passenger manifests and operational details, verified by independent journalists for authenticity.
• The attack reignited debate over immigration policies, airline roles, and the use of historic laws for migrant deportations.
On May 5, 2025, a well-known hacktivist group called Anonymous took responsibility for a cyberattack on GlobalX, a charter airline based in Miami, United States 🇺🇸. This airline came into the spotlight because it was used by President Trump’s administration to carry out deportation flights. According to several news reports, Anonymous didn’t just break into the GlobalX website—they also claimed they took important data and left a message criticizing the airline for its role in removing people from the United States 🇺🇸 under legal orders that many found controversial.
What Happened on May 5, 2025?
The attack happened early Monday. The hackers defaced a subdomain of GlobalX’s official website, making their presence very clear. The message they left criticized the airline for its part in deportations. It read:
“Anonymous has decided to enforce the Judge’s order since you and your sycophant staff ignore lawful orders that go against your fascist plans.”
This statement took aim directly at GlobalX’s work with government deportations and referred to decisions made by US judges. Several judges had already said the Trump administration should bring back certain people who were wrongly sent to El Salvador 🇸🇻. The strong words in the hackers’ message showed how deeply some people feel about these deportations and how technology can be used to protest them.
The website was quickly fixed after the attack, but the effects of the incident may last much longer. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the hack brought international attention to GlobalX and the issue of deportation flights.
What Data Did Anonymous Claim to Have Stolen?
Anonymous said this wasn’t just about making a point with a website message. The group claimed to have taken sensitive data from GlobalX’s computers and shared the information with journalists—especially reporters at 404 Media, plus others in the news business. Here’s what the hackers said they took:
- Flight manifests and lists of who was on each plane, from January 19 to May 1, 2025
- Details about how deportation flights work, including schedules and operations
- Personal information about the people deported, like Venezuelans sent to El Salvador 🇸🇻
404 Media reported they were able to check some of this data against official documents about ICE deportation flights. This is important because it showed the information was real—some details even matched those linked to Venezuelan deportees, including information about a person named Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
This kind of hack—where hackers don’t just change a website but also take information about people and government operations—is rare and often sparks strong feelings on both sides of the issue.
The Big Picture: Why Did the Hack Happen?
The hack did not come out of nowhere. It was tied to large debates about United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy and recent actions taken by the Trump administration. GlobalX has carried out flights for the government, helping send people (mostly from countries in Central and South America 🌎) back home by plane. Some of these flights happened after judges questioned their legality.
The most recent problem involved a flight on March 15, 2025, when around 130 Venezuelan migrants were flown by GlobalX from the United States 🇺🇸 to El Salvador 🇸🇻. This operation became very controversial. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified these passengers as being members of Tren de Aragua, a well-known criminal group from Venezuela 🇻🇪. President Trump used an old law called the Alien Enemies Act to allow these deportations. This law goes all the way back to 1768 and was last enforced during World War II.
Many lawyers and human rights groups questioned whether using such a law was right or even legal in today’s world. On May 1, 2025, a federal judge made a ruling that declared the reasons for these deportations illegal. The hackers from Anonymous referred to this in their online message, saying they acted because GlobalX and those working with the company “ignore lawful orders that go against your fascist plans”.
What Did Anonymous Want?
Anonymous often gets noticed for their high-profile online protests, targeting groups or companies they believe are causing harm. This time, they called their action “Operation Dreadnought.” The message they left on GlobalX’s website ended with a phrase that many recognize as Anonymous’s calling card:
“We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive, We do not forget. Expect us.”
By going after GlobalX, Anonymous wanted to send a clear message to companies that help with deportation flights—especially those flights that may break court orders or use old, harsh laws. The group’s choice to both deface a website and take data hints at how determined they were to bring attention to the situation and show that information is not always as tightly controlled as some might think.
Impact on GlobalX, US Immigration Policy, and Migrants
The direct impact on GlobalX was immediate: their website was defaced and the story of their connection to deportation flights spread quickly. While their website came back online, the data breach could have longer effects. It exposed sensitive passenger information and company operations, raising concerns about the privacy and security of those involved.
For the US government and immigration policy watchers, this attack reminded everyone how tender the topic of migrant deportations has become. The exposure of flight lists and operations could make it harder for airlines to keep their work out of the public eye. Migrants and their supporters worry that personal details, if leaked, could put people in danger in their home countries or make their situations worse.
On the other side, some support strong action on deportation, especially when those being sent away are said to have criminal backgrounds. The identification of the deportees as members of Tren de Aragua became a big part of the discussion. Still, critics argue that using a law from the 1700s, last used for wartime enemies, is not fair in cases like this.
Many legal experts say that using the Alien Enemies Act in this way has not been tested in modern courts. The May 1, 2025 ruling by a judge that called the operation illegal may set the stage for more legal fights in the future. The fact that tech-savvy activists targeted a US airline for their role in these flights adds even more attention.
How Did the Hackers Prove Their Claims?
After the attack, media outlets like 404 Media received large amounts of information from Anonymous. Reporters checked flight lists and passenger data against existing records of ICE deportation flights. In several cases, the details matched up—proving to journalists, at least in part, that the hackers did take real data. Names of Venezuelan deportees, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia, were reportedly accurate.
This kind of data confirmation is important. It shows that the attack was not just an empty protest or a simple prank. Instead, Anonymous appears to have accessed sensitive flight records and personal details, sharing them with the public to boost their argument against GlobalX’s role.
What Has GlobalX Said About the Attack?
So far, GlobalX has not made any public comments in response to the website hack or the reported theft of data. The company managed to restore its online presence quickly. Still, the actual effect of the hack may go far beyond a simple website repair. The leak of passenger and flight data could pose legal issues or bring even more scrutiny from both the government and the public.
This silence is not unusual after such events. Many companies, especially those connected to security or government work, will wait until they know all the facts before responding. They may also be working with the authorities or experts to figure out what information was taken and how to prevent something similar in the future. If you want to follow updates on airlines or immigration enforcement, the US Department of Homeland Security provides official information about its activities.
What Comes Next for Airlines and Migrants?
After an attack like this, airlines working with the US government—especially those involved in moving people as part of immigration enforcement—may take extra steps to protect their computer systems and the privacy of passengers. They might increase training for their staff, review how information is stored, and work with cybersecurity professionals. This seems likely since any weakness in their infrastructure could lead to yet another hack or leak.
Migrants and those who support their rights will probably follow these stories closely. Many feel the publication of this data shows a need for better standards and more transparency in how deportations are handled. Advocacy groups will likely use what was revealed to argue for stronger privacy protections, safer return procedures, and fairer treatment in court.
This story has also sparked new conversations in the legal world. The use of the Alien Enemies Act, the rights of people facing deportation, and the duties of companies like GlobalX are all being examined closely. It is possible some of these issues will end up in the courts again as more deportees or their lawyers look for ways to challenge their removal based on recent court decisions.
Differing Views and Ongoing Debate
As with many immigration issues in the United States 🇺🇸, people hold very different opinions about what happened.
- Some see GlobalX and similar airlines as simply following government contracts, moving people as requested under existing laws.
- Others see companies like GlobalX as playing an active role in actions that may break the law or violate basic rights, especially when deportations happen in ways courts have questioned.
- For Anonymous, hacking and leaking data is a form of protest, shining a light on what they believe are secretive and unjust practices.
- Critics warn that exposing personal data—even for a cause—can hurt migrants and their families, especially if they face real dangers back home.
The debate is not likely to end soon. The May 2025 hack of GlobalX shows that as long as immigration remains a sensitive topic, there will be strong reactions from all sides.
Summary
The cyberattack on GlobalX by Anonymous on May 5, 2025, drew worldwide attention, not just for its bold website defacement but also for the claimed theft of sensitive flight and passenger data related to deportation flights ordered under the Trump administration. The hack followed a controversial operation in which Venezuelan migrants were sent to El Salvador 🇸🇻, using a law last enforced in World War II and later ruled illegal by a federal judge. Key data shared with journalists was checked and found to match public records, proving the hackers had accessed real information.
Through Operation Dreadnought, Anonymous wanted to make it clear that companies assisting with disputed deportations could become targets. GlobalX has not commented publicly, and the long-term effects on privacy, security, and immigration policy may be felt for years. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the attack highlights growing tensions around deportation flights, government power, and the rights of migrants. This case will likely continue to shape conversations about data security, legal limits on government actions, and the role of private airlines in US 🇺🇸 immigration enforcement.
Learn Today
Hacktivist → A person or group who uses hacking skills to promote a political or social cause, often targeting institutions or companies.
Deportation Flight → An organized operation to remove individuals from a country, typically involving chartered planes and government coordination.
Alien Enemies Act → A U.S. law from 1768, last used in WWII, allowing deportation of citizens from countries at war with the U.S.
Tren de Aragua → A criminal organization originating in Venezuela, cited by authorities as a reason for migrant deportations in this case.
404 Media → An independent media outlet that received and verified data allegedly stolen by Anonymous during the GlobalX hack.
This Article in a Nutshell
On May 5, 2025, Anonymous hacked charter airline GlobalX, defacing its website and claiming to steal sensitive deportation flight data. The incident highlighted controversial flights under the Trump administration, reigniting debates about immigration policy, data privacy, and the legal, ethical roles of both airlines and government in deportation procedures.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Ruben Gallego Challenges Self-Deportation With Bold Work Visa Plan
• Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan Ignites Washington Fury
• Self-deportation now possible through new Department of Homeland Security app
• 5 Million American Children Face Parental Deportation Nightmare
• University of Minnesota student wins deportation case against ICE
