Avelo Airlines has made a bold move by agreeing to operate federal deportation flights from Arizona starting in May. Andrew Levy, the airline’s founder and CEO, knows this decision might raise eyebrows. He explained that Avelo is partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help with deportations as part of a long-term charter program. This, he believes, will support the company’s growth and protect jobs.
Levy acknowledged that this is a sensitive topic. The airline plans to use three Boeing 737-800 planes from Mesa Gateway Airport for both domestic and international flights related to these efforts. Job listings for the Arizona operation indicate that the flights will directly assist DHS’s deportation activities.
Tom Cartwright, a flight data analyst with the group Witness at the Border, pointed out that Avelo’s involvement is unusual. In the past five years, he’s noticed that only lesser-known charter companies typically handle flights for ICE. He emphasized that these charter operations often serve multiple purposes, from flying deportees one day to transporting sports fans the next.
The decision hasn’t gone unnoticed in Avelo’s home base. Justin Elicker, the Democratic mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, expressed his disappointment after discussing the matter with Levy. He believes that Avelo’s decision contradicts the values of New Haven, a place that prides itself on community and inclusivity. He stated, “Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart.”
In response, local immigrant advocacy groups, such as the New Haven Immigrants Coalition, are working to rally public support against Avelo. They’re encouraging people to sign a petition to boycott the airline.
Interestingly, this situation highlights a broader conversation about the role of airlines in immigration policies, a hot topic across social media. Opinions vary widely, with some supporting the airline’s expansion and others vehemently opposing its involvement in deportation flights.
Looking at past events, this marks a significant shift in how commercial airlines may engage in immigration enforcement. As Cartwright noted, the landscape has been changing, with more public scrutiny on companies involved in such operations.
As the story unfolds, it raises important questions about corporate responsibility and the impact of business decisions on communities. For up-to-date information and context surrounding this issue, readers may refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official statements and local community reactions.
The discussion around Avelo Airlines shows how deeply interconnected business decisions and social values can be, making it a topic worth watching in the future.
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Source linkArizona, Connecticut, New Haven, Immigration, General news, CT State Wire, TX State Wire, AZ State Wire, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington news, Justin Elicker, Tom Cartwright, Andrew Levy, Business, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. news, The Boeing Co., Washington News
