The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a significant shift in its deportation strategy by potentially establishing its own fleet of aircraft, according to sources who spoke with NBC News. Currently, the DHS relies on chartered flights to deport immigrants, but owning its own planes could help the government meet its ambitious goal of deporting 30,000 to 35,000 immigrants each month. To achieve this, the DHS might need to double its current fleet, requiring around 30 aircraft. This move aligns with the heightened focus on immigration policies since the Trump administration, which aimed to curb undocumented immigration.
Typically, the DHS charters planes from various companies, with costs averaging $8,577 per flight hour for regular flights. High-risk charters can be even more expensive, ranging from $6,929 to $26,795 per flight hour. Under the Biden administration, the use of chartered aircraft has facilitated the deportation of about 15,000 immigrants monthly. Jason Houser, former ICE chief of staff, noted that to reach the new deportation targets, the number of planes would need to double. Fortunately, funding might not be an issue, as the DHS received substantial financial support, including $30 billion earmarked for deportation efforts under Trump’s administration.
ICE, a key agency under the DHS, plays a crucial role in these operations. Its mission is to safeguard the U.S. from cross-border crime and undocumented immigration. ICE Air, part of the Enforcement and Removal Operations division, currently relies on chartered and commercial flights for deportations. While commercial flights have been used in the past, the high costs and safety concerns have led to a preference for chartered operations. The agency typically uses Boeing 737s for routine flights and larger aircraft like Boeing 777s for special missions. As the DHS explores owning its own fleet, this could mark a new chapter in how deportations are managed.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
