A US official says the administration of President Donald Trump has deported undocumented immigrants with criminal records to Guatemala as part of its clampdown on illegal immigration.

On Thursday, the Trump administration announced the deportation of hundreds of "illegal immigrant criminals" using military aircraft. The defense official told NHK on Friday that two military planes carrying immigrants had headed for Guatemala.

The Associated Press reported that military aircraft carrying Guatemalans had arrived in the Central American country, citing local authorities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a social media post on Friday: "Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." The post carried photos showing people boarding military aircraft.

Beefing up border control is one of the Trump administration's top priorities. It has been taking a flurry of actions since the January 20 inauguration, including sending more troops to the border with Mexico.