🔗 Share this article

The head of the US Department of Homeland Security allegedly approved the acquisition of Spirit Airline aircraft before learning that the carrier did not actually own the planes – and that the aircraft were missing engines.

This strange incident was contained in a report released on Friday, which recounted how the official and a ex- campaign manager had recently attempted to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge told the paper that the pair planned to use the jets to increase removal flights – and for private use.

Those insiders also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials had warned them that purchasing aircraft would be far more expensive than simply expanding existing flight contracts.

ICE facing intense criticism after footage reportedly shows unconscious man holding infant during detention.

Complicating matters further, the airline, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second instance in August, did not own the jets and their power plants would have had to be bought separately. The plan has since been halted, according to the investigation.

In the interim, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in the autumn that during this fall's record-long government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already purchased two Gulfstream aircraft for $200m.

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

A DHS spokesperson told the Journal that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were incorrect but refused to offer additional clarification.

The legislature had earlier approved the termed “big, beautiful bill” in the summer, which dedicates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border-related operations, a amount that makes ICE the most well-funded federal agency in the US government.

In September, it was reported that the government was moving immigrants detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by air.

Leaked data reviewed from charter airline Global Crossing detailed the travels of thousands of individuals who have been shuttled around the country before deportation.