Hackers Expose Passenger Data from Trump's Secret Deportation Flights

Hackers Leak Passenger Data from Trump Deportation Flights: A PBS News Investigation On May 12, 2025, a news report revealed a significant security breach impacting the Trump administration's handling of sensitive data. Hackers accessed and leaked passenger lists from GlobalX, an airline frequently used for deportations during the Trump administration. This follows an earlier report about high-ranking officials using the Signal messaging app to share classified military attack plans. The breach raises serious concerns about data security and government transparency. Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media, a group investigating the hacks, stated in an interview with PBS News Weekend, "GlobalX is one of the primary airlines ICE uses to deport people. When a hacker recently targeted GlobalX, they obtained flight information, which is publicly available. However, they also got passenger lists, which are not publicly available." This information, Cox explains, allows investigators to determine who was sent to each country. The hackers also targeted Telemessage, a Signal clone used by Trump administration officials. Cox highlights the risk of centralizing sensitive data, stating that "there's an inherent risk in bringing more data together that's usually siloed." Security experts warn that this practice could increase vulnerability to future hacks. This incident underscores the critical need for robust data security protocols within government agencies. The successful hacks and the subsequent release of sensitive information serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate security measures.