Why are deportation flights considered impactful in addressing illegal immigration?

Deportation flights are described as the most profoundly impactful tactic the US government can deploy against illegal immigration. Their effectiveness was demonstrated when Haitian migrants fled a camp back into Mexico specifically to avoid deportation. According to Todd Bensman, when deportations began, thousands of migrants retreated across the border, explicitly stating they were leaving to avoid being sent home. These flights serve as a powerful deterrent, influencing migrant behavior and decision-making. This explains why some politicians want to undermine deportation efforts despite their proven effectiveness - the visible consequence of deportation creates a tangible disincentive for illegal border crossings.