Avelo Airlines Signs Long-Term Agreement with ICE for Deportation Flights

A Texas-based airline has entered into a significant long-term contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. This deal enables the airline to conduct deportation flights aimed at supporting the government’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Starting in May, Avelo Airlines, headquartered in Houston, will utilize three Boeing 737-800 aircraft that will operate out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. This move is designed to bolster the department’s capabilities in addressing immigration issues effectively.

Avelo’s Commitment to the Community

A spokesperson for Avelo Airlines indicated that both domestic and international flights will kick off on May 12. Andrew Levy, the airline’s Founder and CEO, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the issue of deportation flights. However, he emphasized that this charter flying arrangement will provide Avelo with much-needed stability, allowing the airline to expand its scheduled passenger services while ensuring continued employment for over 1,100 crewmembers.

A New Operational Base

In addition to this partnership, the airline will establish a base at Mesa Gateway Airport, complete with local pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft technicians. Local leaders will also be part of this operational expansion. Avelo Airlines has made it clear that they will begin hiring locally to fill these positions immediately. Moreover, current employees will have the first chance to transfer to the new operational base.

The airline recently posted a job listing specifically targeting flight attendants eager to support deportation operations. The listing specifies that they are looking for energetic and highly motivated individuals. Pay for these positions starts at $28 per hour, reflecting a competitive wage in the industry.

Ongoing Controversy Surrounding Deportation Flights

Fox News Digital made attempts to contact both ICE and Homeland Security for comments but did not receive an immediate response. The Trump administration has claimed that over 100,000 illegal migrants have been deported within the first 11 weeks since President Donald Trump returned to office. This assertion aligns with information provided by a Department of Homeland Security official.

According to reports, both ICE and Border Patrol officials have carried out approximately 113,000 arrests while facilitating more than 100,000 deportations. One ICE insider stated that the administration is fulfilling its mandate as directed by voters.

Critics have raised concerns, particularly as the deportations coincide with a significant decline in illegal border crossings. The latest statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection reveal that March recorded the lowest number of crossings along the southwest border, tallying only 7,180 incidents.

Legal Challenges Loom

The Trump administration has faced legal scrutiny concerning the deportation flights. A federal judge, James Boasberg, has indicated that these flights may breach a legal order prohibiting deportations without proper processes. The judge’s emergency order demands that individuals deported under the Alien Enemies Act be returned to the U.S. immediately. Despite this, deportation flights continued, landing in El Salvador shortly after.

Judge Boasberg aims to investigate whether the administration knowingly disregarded judicial orders and whether anyone should be held accountable for these violations. The Alien Enemies Act itself is historically significant, having seen application only three times in U.S. history, including during vital wartime periods.

Addressing Public Concerns

The Trump administration defends its approach by citing the need to remove potentially dangerous individuals, including alleged gang members. This justification for deportation efforts has garnered both support and criticism across the political spectrum. As the legal battles surrounding this issue unfold, the implications of this partnership between Avelo Airlines and ICE will continue to draw attention.

The airline’s involvement in deportation flights raises important questions about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and addressing community concerns regarding human rights and public safety.

As this story develops, more information will emerge regarding the efficacy and impact of using airline services for deportation efforts. While some see it as necessary enforcement, others fear it represents a troubling trend in immigration management.

Looking Ahead

Avelo Airlines’ decision to engage in this partnership with ICE marks a significant development in U.S. immigration policy enforcement. While the airline looks to secure its operational future and expand its workforce locally, the broader societal implications of such agreements continue to provoke debate. Stakeholders across the board will closely monitor the outcomes of these flights and the ongoing legal challenges that surround them.

Moving forward, it will be crucial for both the airline and the administration to navigate the sensitive nature of deportation flights while also fulfilling their operational and enforcement goals without compromising community trust.

As this issue evolves, Avelo Airlines and ICE will have to address various concerns and challenges while maintaining their commitments under the new agreement. The overall impact on the local community and the individuals affected by these deportations remains to be seen.