US Airline’s Secretive ICE Contract Raises Questions on Policy Impact

Avelo Airlines signs contract with ICE to operate deportation flights from Arizona, creating jobs but sparking controversy and boycott threats.

Quick Takes

Avelo Airlines has secured a long-term contract with ICE to conduct deportation flights using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Operations will be based at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona with flights beginning May 12.
The airline is actively recruiting personnel with attractive $28/hour starting pay for flight attendants.
CEO Andrew Levy defended the decision as ensuring stability and continued employment for 1,100 crew members.
The partnership faces criticism and boycott threats from immigration advocates and local officials.

Airline Partners with Federal Government on Deportation Efforts

Avelo Airlines has entered into a significant agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to operate deportation flights as part of the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts. The partnership will establish a new operation base at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, from which both domestic and international deportation flights will depart beginning May 12. The airline will dedicate three Boeing 737-800 aircraft specifically for these operations, representing a substantial commitment of resources to the federal immigration enforcement program that has intensified under President Trump’s administration.

Avelo Airlines is drawing criticism after reportedly signing a contract to operate federal deportation charter flights beginning in May 2025.

Avelo Airlines is partnering with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to charter deportation flights out of an Arizona airport.… pic.twitter.com/BZjykJlIV1

— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 8, 2025

The contract comes as the administration has ramped up deportation efforts, with reports indicating over 100,000 illegal migrants have been deported since President Trump returned to office. This partnership between private aviation and federal enforcement agencies demonstrates the practical implementation of the administration’s border security policies. For Avelo, a relatively young airline founded in 2021, the government contract potentially provides financial stability while creating numerous aviation jobs in Arizona.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

Avelo’s new deportation flight program is generating substantial employment opportunities in Arizona’s aviation sector. The airline is actively recruiting flight attendants, pilots, and aircraft technicians to staff the new operation. Flight attendant positions are being advertised with an attractive starting wage of $28 per hour, with job descriptions seeking “energetic, highly motivated” individuals. While current Avelo employees will have first priority to transfer to the new base, the expansion will inevitably create additional positions in the Mesa area.

The economic calculations behind Avelo’s decision appear straightforward from a business perspective. Government contracts typically provide reliable revenue streams that can help stabilize operations, particularly for smaller carriers competing against major airlines. The deportation flight contract allows Avelo to diversify its revenue sources beyond commercial passenger service, potentially creating more financial security for the company and its employees during periods when leisure travel may fluctuate.

Controversy and Opposition

Despite the economic benefits, Avelo’s decision has generated significant controversy and opposition from immigration advocates and some local officials. The Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo maintains operations, described the airline’s involvement in deportation flights as “deeply disappointing and disturbing.” The New Haven Immigrants Coalition has launched a petition calling for a boycott of the airline, indicating potential commercial consequences for the carrier’s regular passenger service.

The controversy surrounding Avelo’s contract reflects the broader national debate over immigration enforcement policies. The Trump administration has utilized the Alien Enemies Act to target individuals deemed dangerous, including alleged gang members, as part of its broader border security strategy. Meanwhile, a federal judge has raised questions about whether some deportation flights potentially violate existing court orders, adding another layer of complexity to the implementation of these policies by private contractors like Avelo.

Balancing Business and Policy Implementation

For Avelo Airlines, the ICE contract represents a significant business decision with both financial opportunities and reputational risks. The airline’s leadership has framed the partnership as a necessary step to ensure operational stability and protect jobs, highlighting the practical business considerations that drove their decision. This case illustrates how private companies often find themselves navigating complex political waters when partnering with government agencies on politically sensitive policies.

As deportation flights begin operating from Mesa Gateway Airport in May, Avelo’s experience will likely be closely watched by other carriers and businesses considering similar government partnerships. The outcome could influence how other companies approach contracts related to immigration enforcement, weighing financial benefits against potential public relations challenges. For Arizona, the new base represents both economic opportunity and a more prominent role in the implementation of federal immigration policies.