DHS Head Reportedly Approved Acquisition of Ten Engine-Free Spirit Airlines Aircraft That Carrier Didn't Own

The secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security allegedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airlines aircraft before discovering that the airline did not actually own the aircraft – and that the aircraft lacked engines.

This strange anecdote was contained in a investigation released on Friday, which described how the secretary and a ex- political strategist had recently attempted to purchase ten Boeing 737 planes from the airline. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the pair planned to use the jets to expand deportation flights – and for private use.

Those sources also claimed that ICE officials had warned them that buying planes would be significantly costlier than simply expanding current charter agreements.

ICE confronting intense criticism after footage reportedly shows unconscious man holding child during arrest.

Making the situation more complex, the airline, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second instance in the summer, did not possess the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be acquired separately. The proposal has since been paused, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House funding panel said in October that during this fall'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 midst of a federal shutdown, the US Coast Guard signed a single-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace to procure two new G700 luxury aircraft to support travel for the secretary and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200 million,” Democratic representatives wrote in a letter to the department.

A DHS spokesperson informed the outlet that some details in the report about the plane purchases were incorrect but refused to provide further details.

Congress had previously authorized the so-called “major immigration bill” in the summer, which allocates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border security operations, a amount that makes ICE the most heavily funded federal agency in the US government.

In the autumn, it was reported that the administration was transporting immigrants held as part of its removal program in ways that violated their legal rights, often by plane.

Leaked data examined from private airline Global Crossing outlined the travels of thousands of individuals who have been shuttled around the country before deportation.