Avelo Airlines, a budget carrier based in Houston, has entered into an agreement to commence federal deportation flights from Arizona, starting in May. This initiative stems from a partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. CEO Andrew Levy noted that, while recognizing the potential for controversy, the decision aligns with their goals for expansion and job preservation.
The flights, both domestic and international, will be facilitated by Avelo’s three Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating out of Mesa Gateway Airport. The company has made it clear through an online job listing that these flights will directly support ICE’s deportation initiatives.
According to Tom Cartwright, an analyst from the advocacy group Witness at the Border, this partnership is a rarity. In his five years of monitoring flights, Cartwright has not observed any commercial airlines assist ICE in such a capacity. Typically, obscure charter companies that do not engage in retail ticket sales conduct these operations. Avelo’s involvement in ICE’s deportation efforts marks a significant deviation from industry norms.
In New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo services Tweed New Haven Airport, the decision has sparked opposition. Democratic Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his disapproval to Andrew Levy, urging him to reconsider. He emphasized that Avelo’s actions conflict with the values of New Haven, which consider travel as a means to unite, not divide, families.
The New Haven Immigrants Coalition, an advocacy group, is mobilizing resistance by encouraging the public to sign a petition pledging to boycott Avelo Airlines. This reaction highlights the community’s strong sentiment against the airline’s new charter agreement.
As of yet, ICE has not issued a response to requests for comments regarding this new development.