Skip to main content

2.0

Reported: DHS seeks approval to purchase luxury jet for deportation flights and cabinet travel

  1. Original Date Announced

    February 19, 2026

    NBC News reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sought approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to purchase a $70 million Boeing 737 Max 8, which DHS officials have described as a "luxury jet," to use to deport immigrants and transport cabinet members. A DHS spokesperson stated that the plane, which is equipped with bedrooms, showers, a bar, and multiple flat-screen TVs, will be partially "retrofitted" to use for deportations. However, one DHS official involved in the procurement request stated that the idea that the plane will be used for deportations is "far-fetched."

    Trump 2.0 [ID #2225]

    2026.02.19 Reported: 'No expense has been spared': Inside a luxury jet DHS wants to buy for deportations - NBC News
  2. Effective Date

    February 19, 2026
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    April 7, 2026

    2026.04.07 Reported: The White House Is Keeping Kristi Noem’s $70 Million Jet - Wall Street Journal

    The Wall Street Journal reports that ICE purchased the jet described in this entry for about $70 million before DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin was confirmed in March 2026. Although ICE officials thought that the plan to purchase the jet would be cancelled after former Secretary Noem was fired, the White House moved forward with purchasing it with ICE funds. The White House also took control of the plane away from DHS; its use must now be approved by top White House officials instead of DHS officials. A DHS spokesperson stated that the jet, which DHS initially said would be used for deportations, "will be available to Cabinet members who need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility."

    View Document

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Reported
Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Enforcement
Agencies Affected: DHS ICE Other

To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com