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Original Date Announced
April 8, 2025The Associated Press (AP) reports DHS signed an agreement with budget carrier Avelo Airlines to fly federal deportation flights from Arizona starting on May 12, 2025. Avelo will support domestic and international flights with three planes based at Mesa Gateway Airport. AP reports that the deal between Avelo and DHS appears to be the only current contract for full-aircraft deportation flights with a regular, scheduled commercial airline.
Trump 2.0 [ID #1670]
2025.04.08 Reported: Budget airline Avelo to fly deportation flights for ICE from Arizona - APEffective Date
May 12, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
August 20, 20252025.08.20 Reported: "Kristi Noem is pushing for ICE to buy deportation planes" - NBC News
NBC News reports that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is pushing for ICE to buy, own, and operate its own fleet of airplanes to deport immigrants. Former officials said that ICE owning and maintaining its own planes would be costly but could make it easier for the agency to potentially double the number of people it deports each month.
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
November 17, 20252025.11.17 Reported: ICE Air's Sloppy, Dangerous Deportation Flights - The American Prospect
The American Prospect reports that while Avelo Airlines has touted its ICE deportation-charter contract as a financial success, internal emails and employee accounts show a chaotic and unsafe operation. While Avelo downplays public backlash and its West Coast operations' shutdown, its ICE flights have been marked by poor planning and serious safety-lapses, including a recent loss of cabin pressure that injured six people. In one July 2025 incident, an Avelo employee discovered more than two dozen lithium-ion batteries after ICE personnel refused to help with required inspections. Flight attendants say ICE officers often obstruct safety checks, prompting union warnings to Avelo leadership. Activists have also documented migrants being transported in shackles or hoods that make emergency evacuation nearly impossible.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: ReportedTrump Administration Action: Change in PracticeSubject Matter: Border EnforcementAssociated or Derivative Policies
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Commentary
2025.04.08_Reported - The Guardian: "Thousands sign petition urging Avelo airline to halt deportation flights for Ice"
Several thousand people have signed a petition urging Avelo Airlines to halt its planned deportation flights.
Go to article2025.09.11 Human Rights First - ICE Flight Monitor: August 2025 Report
Human Rights First reports that in August 2025 the ICE Flight Monitor tracked the highest monthly total of deportation flights this year, with at least 1,393 U.S. immigration-enforcement flights, an average of 45 a day.
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