Four people were hospitalized Thursday after suffering heat-related illnesses aboard a plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport following an apparent air conditioning malfunction, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The incident involved a GlobalX plane that was still on the tarmac and preparing to depart for Alexandria, Louisiana, according to CBS News. GlobalX, also known as Global Crossing Airlines, is a Miami-based charter carrier that has previously been used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation flights, though it was not immediately clear whether the aircraft involved Thursday was being used for that purpose.
Alexandria International Airport houses the Alexandria Staging Facility, a 400-bed ICE detention and deportation hub that is one of the busiest in the country. The Independent has contacted ICE for comment…