DHS Head Reportedly Approved Acquisition of 10 Engineless Spirit Airlines Planes Which Airline Did Not Possess
The head of the US Department of Homeland Security allegedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airlines jets before discovering that the airline did not truly possess the planes – and that the aircraft lacked engines.
This strange incident was detailed in a investigation published on Friday, which recounted how the official and a ex- campaign manager had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. People familiar with the situation told the paper that the pair intended to use the jets to expand deportation flights – and for private use.
Those sources also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had cautioned them that purchasing aircraft would be significantly costlier than simply increasing current charter agreements.
Immigration officials facing intense criticism after footage reportedly shows unresponsive individual clutching infant during detention.
Making the situation more complex, Spirit, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in the summer, did not own the aircraft and their engines would have had to be acquired separately. The plan has since been paused, according to the investigation.
Meanwhile, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in the autumn that during this season's historically lengthy federal shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already purchased two Gulfstream jets for $200m.
“It has come to our attention that, in the middle of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard signed a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to acquire two new G700 luxury jets to facilitate travel for the secretary and the deputy, at a expense to the taxpayer of $200 million,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a communication to the DHS.
A department representative told the Journal that parts of its reporting about the plane purchases were inaccurate but refused to offer additional clarification.
The legislature had earlier approved the so-called “major immigration bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170bn for immigration and border-related operations, a sum that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the US government.
In the autumn, it was revealed that the administration was transporting individuals detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by air.
Confidential information reviewed from charter airline GlobalX outlined the journeys of tens of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the country before deportation.
