DHS confirms ICE to acquire six Boeing 737s for deportations, saving $279M
Key Points
- 1DHS confirmed the purchase of six Boeing 737 aircraft for ICE deportations, costing nearly $140 million.
- 2The acquisition is projected to save US taxpayers $279 million by bypassing costly charter airline services.
- 3ICE will establish its own dedicated fleet, enhancing operational efficiency and independence for deportation flights.
- 4This initiative aligns with the Trump administration's agenda for mass deportations, funded by the OBBB.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed the acquisition of six Boeing 737 aircraft for approximately $140 million. These planes are intended to support US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in conducting deportations, enabling the agency to operate its own fleet and reduce reliance on external charter airlines. This development was initially reported by The Washington Post.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified that the purchase is projected to save US taxpayers $279 million by enhancing operational efficiency and allowing for more streamlined flight patterns. McLaughlin emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Trump administration's commitment, alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, to efficiently deport criminal illegal aliens. She also noted the department's satisfaction that the media was highlighting these "cost-effective and innovative ways" to fulfill mandates for mass deportations.
The move follows earlier discussions, as reported in August, regarding Secretary Noem's push for ICE to establish its own dedicated deportation fleet. Funding for this significant investment, which could range from $80 million to $400 million per commercial airliner, is reportedly sourced from the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB), which allocated billions to ICE for operational expansion and agent recruitment. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster ICE's capabilities and independence in its enforcement operations.
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