Avelo Airlines, a Texas-based airline, has entered into a long-term agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration Control and Enforcement agency to conduct deportation flights. The airline will have three planes flying out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona to support the department’s deportation efforts starting in May. Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy stated that while they understand the sensitive nature of this topic, they have determined that these charter flights will provide them with stability and allow them to continue expanding their core scheduled passenger service while keeping their more than 1,100 employees employed for years to come. The airline will be opening a base at AZA with local staff, giving current Avelo Crewmembers the first option to transfer.
A job description was posted by the airline seeking flight attendants to work on the deportation flights, stating that they are looking for energetic and highly motivated individuals to assist with the deportation efforts. The pay starts at $28 per hour for these positions. The Trump administration has deported over 100,000 illegal migrants in the 11 weeks since President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Jan. 20. Both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officials have made approximately 113,000 arrests and conducted over 100,000 deportations. The administration has been focusing on deporting criminal illegal migrants, particularly those who pose national security threats.
Despite the high number of deportations, the Trump administration has also managed to reduce the number of illegal border crossers to record lows. In March, the southwest border saw the lowest number of crossings ever with just 7,180 recorded. However, the administration has faced scrutiny over the migrant deportation flights, with a federal judge claiming that these flights may have violated a federal court order. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued an emergency order that temporarily blocked deportations and required individuals removed under a centuries-old law to be returned immediately to U.S. soil. Flights carrying migrants, including those deported under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, still landed in El Salvador the same night, leading to questions about potential violations of the court order.
The Alien Enemies Act, which has only been used three times in American history, has been invoked by the Trump administration to expel individuals such as alleged members of criminal gangs. The administration argues that this is necessary to ensure the removal of dangerous individuals from the country. However, Judge Boasberg has indicated that he intends to investigate whether the administration knowingly violated the court order and determine if anyone should be held accountable. The situation remains complex and controversial, with legal experts analyzing the implications of invoking a centuries-old law in modern times.
As the situation continues to develop, Avelo Airlines is preparing to begin deportation flights to support the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts. The airline’s decision to undertake these flights has sparked debate and raised questions about the ethics and legality of such operations. However, the Trump administration remains focused on its goal of deporting illegal migrants, especially those with criminal backgrounds, while also working to secure the border and reduce illegal crossings. The outcome of the legal challenges surrounding the deportation flights and the overall impact of these efforts on immigration policy in the United States remain to be seen.
