The airline based in Texas has entered into extended agreements with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration management and enforcement divisions as well as the Foreign Airlines (DHS) to conduct deportation flights.
Since May, Avelo Airlines from Houston has informed Fox News Digital that three aircraft from Arizona’s Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) are in operation “to assist in the sector’s deportation endeavors.”
A spokesperson for the airline indicated that three 737-800s would be utilized, with domestic and international operations set to commence on May 12.
“We understand that this is a sensitive and intricate matter. Following thorough discussions, we concluded that these charter flights would enable ongoing expansion and stability for core scheduled passenger services and create over 1,100 crew member positions in the future.
Trump contends with Judge Boasburg regarding immigration deportations that breach court mandates
Avelo Airline sign addresses ICE to “assist sector deportation efforts.” (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
The airline announced plans to establish a base in AZA, alongside Avelo pilots, flight attendants, aircraft engineers, and appropriate local leaders.
“We aim to begin local hiring for these roles soon. Current Avelo crew members will have the first opportunity to transfer to the new AZA base,” stated the airline.
The airline has advertised job openings for flight attendants interested in participating in deportation flights, expressing a desire for “energetic and ambitious” candidates to assist with their deportation initiatives.
The Trump administration faces a deadline to reveal details of deportation flights following a judge’s directive
Avelo Airlines plans to operate deportation flights at Mesa Gateway Airport starting in May. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
“This opportunity is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s charter program. Flights will include both domestic and international travel to facilitate DHS’ deportation activities,” indicates the job listing.
The pay reported starts at $28 per hour.
Fox News Digital contacted ICE and Homeland Security for comments but received no immediate reply.
The Trump administration has deported over 100,000 undocumented immigrants in the 11 weeks since President Donald Trump took office again on January 20th. New York Post cites a report from the Department of Homeland Security’s office.
Trump administration set to deport 100,000 undocumented immigrants since his resumption: Report
President Donald Trump ordered the expulsion of Colombian immigrants. (Jim Watson/AFP, left, Government of Columbia.)
Both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officials have detained about 113,000 individuals, with reports stating that those deemed “northern” are being deported, according to the New York Post.
“He is executing the mandate for which he was elected. Point to the evidence!” an ICE source remarked to the publication.
Border Patrol Chief Tom Homan promised to deport illegal immigrant criminalsespecially those considered threats to national security, though it remains unclear how many individuals deported had committed crimes while residing in the US.
The deportation process is accompanied by the Trump administration’s reduction in illegal border crossings.
Recent data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicates that March witnessed the lowest number of crossings at the southwest border, with only 7,180 documented.
The White House rebukes judges attempting to halt deportation flights to El Salvador: “There is no legal justification.”
On February 20, 2025, Venezuelan immigrants flew from Guantanamo Bay via Honduras after they had been deported back to Simon Bolivar International Airport in Venezuela. (Reuters/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)
Trump faces criticism regarding deportation flights as federal judges contend that these flights may breach federal court orders.
The issue remains whether the administration knowingly transgressed the emergency order of US District Judge James Boasberg, which temporarily halted deportations and mandated the prompt return of individuals removed by longstanding laws to US territory. Despite this, the flights carrying immigrants, including those expelled under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798, still proceeded to land in El Salvador that same night.
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Judge Boasberg, who issued a key emergency order in this contentious and intricate case, aims to ascertain whether the administration knowingly defied it and whether accountability measures are warranted.
The Alien Enemy Act enacted in 1798 was only applied three times throughout American history during the War of 1812 and both World Wars.
Officials from the Trump administration contended that laws should be invoked to expel individuals deemed dangerous, including suspects associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, whom they transported to El Salvador under the updated deportation strategy.
Michael Dorgan, Breanne Deppisch and Bill Melugin from Fox News contributed to this article.
Stepheny Price is a contributor for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She focuses on topics like missing persons, homicide, significant national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and insights can be directed to [email protected]
