Trump Deportation Flights Begin
PHOENIX, ARIZONA — Avelo Airlines, a rising low-cost carrier, has officially launched deportation flights out of Arizona as part of a new contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The flights, which began Monday, are departing from Mesa Gateway Airport near Phoenix and mark a major development in the federal government’s renewed commitment to enforcing immigration laws under President Trump’s leadership.
The airline is using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for the mission. According to Avelo CEO Andrew Levy, the DHS contract offers both financial stability and long-term growth potential.
“Charter operations like this allow us to avoid the impact of volatile fuel prices and economic headwinds,” Levy told Arizona News. “This partnership helps us protect over 1,000 crew members and strengthen our core passenger business.”
Left-Wing Groups Rage as DHS Ramps Up Immigration Enforcement
Despite Avelo’s economic rationale, far-left activist groups and union leaders quickly condemned the airline for supporting lawful deportation efforts.
In an April statement, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, a prominent union, claimed that transporting detainees in restraints could hinder emergency responses onboard.
“Having a cabin full of restrained individuals puts everyone at risk,” the union claimed, warning that safety protocols could be compromised in the event of fire, medical emergencies, or decompression.
Meanwhile, the New Haven Immigrants Coalition—an open-borders advocacy group—organized an online petition attacking Avelo’s partnership with DHS. That petition has gained more than 30,000 signatures, driven largely by activist networks on social media.
Homeland Security Fires Back: “We’re Protecting the American People”
In response to the backlash, DHS strongly defended its deportation operations and its airline partners. The agency posted a statement Tuesday on the platform X (formerly Twitter), blasting the smear campaign targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“This is nothing more than an attempt to abolish ICE by proxy,” the agency stated. “Avelo Airlines is fulfilling a legal government contract. The demonization of ICE officers is unacceptable—especially as assaults on our agents have surged by 413%.”
DHS went on to clarify that those being deported are individuals who have violated U.S. law, including many with serious criminal records.
“We are deporting illegal aliens who have broken American laws, including drug traffickers, rapists, gang members, and violent offenders. This is about protecting law-abiding Americans.”
Conservatives Applaud Renewed Focus on Law and Order
While activists and unions continue to protest, many conservatives see this move as a positive step toward restoring border security and reestablishing the rule of law. With overrun border towns, rising fentanyl deaths, and cartel violence spilling into U.S. communities, enforcing immigration law is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Avelo’s decision to stand with law enforcement rather than cave to mob pressure has earned it respect among patriotic Americans concerned about national security, public safety, and economic stability.
