Additional Coverage:
Houston-based Avelo Airlines has secured a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct deportation flights. The airline will operate three 737-800 aircraft from Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona starting May 12th. The flights will be both domestic and international.
Avelo CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged the sensitive nature of the agreement, stating that the contract will provide stability for the airline’s expansion and job security for its 1,100 employees. The airline plans to establish a base at AZA and is actively hiring pilots, flight attendants, and technicians. Current Avelo employees will be given priority for transfers to the new base.
A job posting for flight attendants specifically mentions supporting deportation efforts and offers a starting wage of $28 per hour.
This agreement comes amidst reports of increased deportations under the Trump administration. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, sources suggest over 100,000 deportations have occurred since January 20th.
These actions are reportedly focused on individuals deemed a national security threat, though the number of those deported who committed crimes in the U.S. is unclear. The Trump administration also cites a record low number of border crossings in March.
However, the legality of these deportations has been challenged. A federal judge is investigating whether the administration violated a court order by deporting individuals, including those expelled under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, to El Salvador.
The judge seeks to determine if the administration knowingly disregarded the order and who should be held accountable. The use of the Alien Enemies Act, historically invoked during wartime, has drawn scrutiny.
Trump officials defend its application as necessary to remove dangerous individuals, including alleged gang members.