DHS Head Reportedly Approved Purchase of Ten Engine-Free Spirit Airline Aircraft That Airline Didn't Own
The secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security reportedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airlines aircraft before learning that the airline did not truly possess the aircraft – and that the aircraft were missing power plants.
This strange incident was contained in a investigation released on Friday, which described how the secretary and a ex- campaign manager had recently attempted to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the planes to increase removal flights – and for private use.
Those insiders also claimed that ICE officials had warned them that purchasing aircraft would be significantly costlier than simply expanding current charter agreements.
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Making the situation more complex, the airline, which entered bankruptcy protection for the second instance in August, did not possess the aircraft and their engines would have had to be bought independently. The proposal has since been halted, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Democrats on the House funding panel said in October that during this fall's historically lengthy government shutdown, the DHS had already purchased two Gulfstream jets for $200 million.
“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard signed a single-source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace to acquire two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for you and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200 million,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a communication to the DHS.
A DHS spokesperson informed the outlet that some details in the report about the aircraft acquisitions were incorrect but declined to provide additional clarification.
Congress had earlier authorized the termed “major immigration bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170 billion for immigration and border-related operations, a amount that makes ICE the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.
In September, it was reported that the government was moving individuals detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by air.
Leaked data reviewed from charter airline GlobalX outlined the travels of thousands of individuals who have been shuttled around the country before deportation.
