🔗 Share this article

The head of the United States Department of Homeland Security allegedly approved the acquisition of Spirit Airlines jets before discovering that the carrier did not actually own the planes – and that the planes lacked engines.

This bizarre incident was detailed in a report published on the end of the week, which described how the official and a ex- political strategist had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the jets to expand removal flights – and for private use.

Those insiders also stated that ICE officials had warned them that purchasing aircraft would be significantly costlier than simply increasing existing flight contracts.

ICE confronting intense criticism after video reportedly shows unresponsive individual clutching child during detention.

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

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers on the House appropriations committee said in October that during this season'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 middle of a federal shutdown, the United States Coast Guard signed a sole source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for you and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200m,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a communication to the department.

A department representative told the Journal that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were inaccurate but refused to provide further details.

The legislature had earlier authorized the termed “major immigration bill” in the summer, which allocates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border security operations, a sum that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the US government.

In September, it was reported that the government was transporting individuals detained as part of its removal program in ways that violated their legal rights, often by plane.

Leaked data reviewed from private airline GlobalX detailed the travels of tens of thousands of immigrants who have been shuttled around the country before removal.