DHS Head Allegedly Authorized Acquisition of Ten Engine-Free Spirit Airlines Aircraft That Airline Didn't Own
The head of the US Department of Homeland Security reportedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airline jets before discovering that the carrier did not truly possess the planes – and that the planes lacked engines.
This bizarre incident was detailed 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. People familiar with the situation informed the outlet that the pair planned to use the jets to expand removal flights – and for personal travel.
Those insiders also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials had warned them that buying planes would be significantly costlier than simply increasing current charter agreements.
ICE facing intense criticism after video reportedly shows unresponsive individual holding infant during arrest.
Making the situation more complex, the airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in August, did not possess the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be acquired separately. The proposal has since been paused, according to the investigation.
Meanwhile, Democrats on the House funding panel said in October that during this season's record-long federal shutdown, the DHS had already acquired two Gulfstream jets for $200m.
“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a federal shutdown, the US Coast Guard signed a single-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace to procure two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for you and the deputy secretary, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200 million,” Democratic representatives wrote in a letter to the DHS.
A DHS spokesperson informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the plane purchases were inaccurate but declined to provide further details.
The legislature had earlier approved the termed “major immigration bill” in the summer, which dedicates 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 the autumn, it was reported that the government was transporting immigrants held as part of its removal program in ways that breached their legal rights, often by air.
Confidential information reviewed from private airline GlobalX outlined the journeys of thousands of individuals who have been shuttled around the country before deportation.
