Avelo Airlines faces backlash over ICE deportation flight contract

Avelo Airlines, a Houston-based ultra-low-cost carrier, is under scrutiny following its agreement to operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Avelo Airlines, founded in 2021, had largely stayed out of controversy until the ICE deportation contract. Known for low fares and regional routes, it now faces its first major backlash—drawing national attention, protests, and boycotts over its unexpected involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Photo: Tim, Flickr , Public domain

The airline plans according to Washington Post to commence these flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona starting May 12, 2025, utilizing three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for both domestic and international routes. This move marks a significant departure from the norm, as ICE typically contracts lesser-known charter companies for such operations.

Community and political response

The decision has sparked protests and calls for boycotts, particularly in New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo operates out of Tweed-New Haven Airport. Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his disappointment, stating that the airline's actions contradict the city's values.

«Avelo Airlines’ decision to charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona is deeply disappointing and disturbing. For a company that champions themselves as ‘New Haven’s hometown airline,’ this business decision in antithetical to New Haven’s values,» Elicker said in a statement to AP.

Additionally, the New Haven Immigrants Coalition launched a petition opposing the contract, which has garnered nearly 30,000 signatures.

Avelo's position

Avelo's CEO, Andrew Levy, acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but emphasized that the contract would provide financial stability and help maintain employment for over 1,100 crew members.

Levy stated that: «We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic,» stated Andrew Levy, CEO of Avelo Airlines. He further explained, «After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 crew members employed for years to come.»

The airline has also highlighted that similar flights were conducted during previous administrations, asserting that their participation is a response to a government request.

Broader context

This development occurs amid increased deportation activities under the Trump administration, including the use of the Alien Enemies Act to expedite removals. Notably, the administration mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man protected by a court ruling, highlighting concerns about due process. García, a Salvadoran man living in Maryland, was mistakenly deported in 2025 despite having legal protection from removal.

He fled gang violence, had built a life in the U.S. with his wife and children, and had been granted protection by an immigration court. The Trump administration later acknowledged the deportation as an «administrative error» .

Deported during a push to remove alleged gang members, he was sent to El Salvador and imprisoned. The U.S. Supreme Court later ruled the deportation was illegal and ordered the government to bring him back—but authorities have so far failed to do so, citing diplomatic complications. His family remains without contact. He is imprisoned in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) that is one of the largest prisons in the world, built in 2023 to hold alleged gang members. Located in a remote area, it can house up to 40,000 inmates. Conditions are extremely strict—no visitors, no mattresses, no contact with lawyers or families. Inmates are shaved bald, kept in overcrowded cells, and have limited daylight. Human rights groups have criticized the facility for its harshness and lack of legal oversight.

Key facts about Avelo Airlines

• Founded: 1987 as Casino Express Airlines; rebranded as Avelo Airlines in April 2021.​

• Headquarters: Houston, Texas.​

• CEO: Andrew Levy (former CFO of United Airlines and co-founder of Allegiant Air).​

• Employees: Over 1,100.​

• Fleet: 20 Boeing 737 aircraft (12 737-800s and 8 737-700s).​

• Destinations: Serves 56 destinations across 23 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and international routes to Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.​

• Business Model: Ultra-low-cost carrier focusing on underserved routes and secondary airports to offer lower fares.​

Operations

• Bases: Includes Burbank (CA), New Haven (CT), Orlando (FL), Wilmington (DE), Raleigh-Durham (NC), and Phoenix/Mesa (AZ)

• Performance: In 2023, Avelo reported a cancellation rate of 0.8% and an on-time performance of 80.9%.​

• Passenger Traffic: As of early 2025, Avelo has served over 6.3 million customers.​Chron

Recent developments

• ICE Contract: In April 2025, Avelo signed a long-term agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate deportation flights starting May 12, 2025, from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona.​

• Public Response: The ICE contract has sparked protests and calls for boycotts, particularly in communities like New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo has a significant presence.​

Facts about ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

As of April 2025, Todd M. Lyons serves as the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Appointed in March 2025 by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Lyons is a veteran ICE official and U.S. Air Force veteran. Prior to this role, he led Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), overseeing more than 8,600 employees across 25 field offices. Lyons has held various leadership positions within ICE, including Field Office Director for the Boston Field Office and Assistant Director of Field Operations for ERO. 

• Full name: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

• Founded: March 1, 2003 (under the Department of Homeland Security)

• Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

• Employees: Approximately 20,000

• Annual Budget: Around $8.4 billion (FY 2023)

• Main divisions:

  Enforcement and removal operations (ERO) – handles detentions and deportations

  Homeland security investigations (HSI) – focuses on crimes like human trafficking and cybercrime

• Mission: Enforce immigration laws, prevent terrorism, and combat transnational crime

  
  

Facts about El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT)

• Name: Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT)​

• Location: Tecoluca, El Salvador​

• Opened: January 31, 2023

• Capacity: 40,000 inmates​

• Current population: Approximately 14,500 inmates (as of June 2024)​

• Managed by: Ministry of Justice and Public Security​

• Director: Belarmino García​

• Facility details:

  Comprises eight pavilions​

  Each cell designed to hold 65–70 inmates​

  Cells equipped with metal bunks, toilets, and washbasins

  24-hour artificial lighting​

  Surrounded by multiple security layers, including guard towers and electrified fences​

• Inmate conditions:

  Limited to 30 minutes of daily exercise

  No access to education, recreation, visitation, or phone calls​

  Meals provided without utensils​

  Solitary confinement cells are windowless with minimal furnishings​
  

• Staffing: Approximately 600 soldiers and 250 police officers

  
  

• Controversies:

  Criticized for harsh conditions and alleged human rights abuses​

  Used to detain individuals deported from other countries, including those without criminal records​