Anonymous Targets GlobalX Airline Over Migrant Deportation Flights
Hacktivist group Anonymous has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against GlobalX Airlines, the charter carrier contracted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport over 100 Venezuelan migrants. The attack follows a federal court ruling that questioned the legality of the removals.
The incident occurred on May 5, 2025, when a GlobalX subdomain was defaced with a message criticizing former President Donald Trump and the use of GlobalX to execute deportation flights.
Defacement Includes Judicial Excerpt and Political Message
On the defaced page, Anonymous posted a message titled “Operation Dreadnought”, which read in part:
“You lose again Donnie.”
The message referenced a May 1 ruling by U.S. District Judge Fernandez Rodriguez, which found the legal justification for the deportations invalid. The hackers posted three paragraphs from the judge’s decision, noting that Rodriguez was appointed by Trump himself.
“We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.”
The message ended with the group’s well-known signature phrase.
Flight Manifests Reportedly Stolen and Leaked
Beyond the website defacement, Anonymous reportedly exfiltrated confidential flight manifests related to three GlobalX deportation flights carried out on March 15, 2025. The documents are said to include:
- Passenger names and identification numbers
- Crew member information
- Flight numbers and schedules
- Departure and arrival airport data
According to 404 Media, the leaked files could shed new light on a class-action lawsuit that aimed to prevent the removal of five alleged members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang ICE has labeled a transnational criminal organization.
Although the Supreme Court later ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, the deportations had already been completed.
Deportations Conducted Under Alien Enemies Act
ICE carried out the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA)—a rarely used wartime statute dating back to 1768, last enforced during World War II. Trump invoked this law to remove approximately 130 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.
No Official Response from GlobalX Yet
GlobalX’s website has since been restored, but as of May 5, no formal statement has been released by the Miami-based airline. The company operates 18 Airbus passenger jets and 4 cargo aircraft, providing services to the U.S. government and other clients. It reported $160 million in revenue in 2023.
GlobalX was founded in 2021 and serves destinations across the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.
Previous Anonymous Activity
Earlier in May, Anonymous leaked 10 terabytes of data allegedly stolen from the Russian government, including files purportedly tied to corruption and politically sensitive materials related to Trump.
As of the latest report, Anonymous has not publicly claimed the GlobalX hack on its social media channels.
