DHS Head Allegedly Authorized Purchase of Ten Engine-Free Spirit Airlines Aircraft Which Airline Didn't Own

The head of the United States Department of Homeland Security allegedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airline aircraft before discovering that the carrier did not truly possess the aircraft – and that the aircraft lacked power plants.

This strange anecdote was detailed in a investigation published on the end of the week, which recounted how the official and a former campaign manager had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. Sources with knowledge told the paper that the two intended to use the jets to expand deportation flights – and for private use.

Those sources also stated that ICE agents had cautioned them that purchasing aircraft would be significantly costlier than simply expanding current charter agreements.

Immigration officials facing intense criticism after video reportedly shows unresponsive individual holding child during arrest.

Making the situation more complex, Spirit, which filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in the summer, did not possess the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be bought independently. The plan has since been paused, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers on the House appropriations committee said in October that during this season's historically lengthy federal shutdown, the DHS had already acquired two Gulfstream aircraft for $200 million.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a federal shutdown, the United States Coast Guard signed a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to support travel for you and the deputy, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200m,” Democratic representatives wrote in a letter to the department.

A department representative informed the outlet that some details in the report about the aircraft acquisitions were inaccurate but refused to provide further details.

Congress had earlier authorized the termed “big, beautiful bill” in July, which dedicates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border-related operations, a amount that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.

In the autumn, it was revealed that the government was transporting individuals detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by air.

Confidential information examined from private airline Global Crossing outlined the travels of tens of thousands of individuals who have been shuttled around the country before deportation.