Eureka City Council Weighs Ending Relationship with Avelo Airlines

Key Takeaways

• Eureka City Council debates ending Avelo Airlines due to its ICE deportation flight contract.
• Switching to United Airlines would raise city travel costs by 40%, from $2,500 to $3,500 annually.
• Protests and petitions against Avelo’s ICE contract have spread to 40 cities, gaining nearly 35,000 signatures.

On June 18, 2025, the Eureka City Council held a public debate that has drawn attention far beyond the city’s borders. The council is weighing whether to continue using Avelo Airlines for official city travel after public outcry over Avelo’s contract to operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This issue has sparked protests, petitions, and heated discussions about the city’s values, budget, and the broader role of municipal governments in federal immigration enforcement.

What’s Happening and Why It Matters

The Eureka City Council is considering a proposal to end its business relationship with Avelo Airlines. The reason: Avelo recently began operating deportation flights for ICE out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. While these flights do not currently operate in California, the contract has triggered a wave of protests and boycott campaigns in at least 40 cities across the United States 🇺🇸. Local advocacy groups, such as Humboldt Democracy Connections, are urging the city to sever ties with Avelo, arguing that public funds should not support companies involved in controversial federal immigration enforcement.

If the council decides to switch to United Airlines for city travel, the cost for official trips to Southern California would rise by about 40%—from $2,500 to $3,500 per year. This decision could set a precedent for other cities and influence how municipalities handle contracts with companies linked to federal immigration actions.

Key Details and Stakeholders

• Eureka City Council: The council is actively debating whether to drop Avelo, balancing public pressure and ethical concerns against the city’s budget needs.
• Avelo Airlines: CEO Andrew Levy has defended the ICE contract as “too valuable not to pursue,” citing financial challenges and the need to protect jobs for over 1,100 employees. Avelo stresses that the ICE flights are limited to Arizona and do not affect California routes.
• Local Advocacy Groups: Humboldt Democracy Connections and other organizations are leading the call for the city to end its relationship with Avelo, framing the issue as a matter of ethical governance.
• National Political Figures: U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker have publicly criticized Avelo’s ICE contract. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has demanded transparency and raised concerns about compliance with court orders and humane treatment on deportation flights.
• General Public: An online petition to boycott Avelo over its ICE contract has gathered nearly 35,000 signatures since April 6, 2025. Protests have taken place in at least 40 cities nationwide.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Avelo Airlines began serving Humboldt County in 2021, quickly becoming a popular and affordable option for city travel to Southern California. For several years, the city used Avelo for official business trips, saving money compared to other airlines.

In April 2025, Avelo announced it would start operating deportation flights for ICE out of Mesa, Arizona. The first flight took place on May 12, 2025, carrying individuals from Arizona to Louisiana. This move sparked immediate backlash from immigrant rights groups, pro-democracy advocates, and members of the public who oppose the use of private companies in federal immigration enforcement.

The controversy is not unique to Eureka. Across the United States 🇺🇸, cities and states are debating whether to do business with companies involved in ICE operations. In Connecticut, lawmakers are advancing a bill that would require companies doing business with the state to pledge not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities for detention or transportation. This signals a possible trend toward more restrictive municipal and state contracting policies.

The Debate in Eureka: Ethics vs. Budget

At the heart of the Eureka City Council’s debate is a difficult question: Should the city prioritize cost savings or align its spending with community values?

• Cost Considerations: For Fiscal Year 2024-25, Eureka estimates it will spend about $2,500 on travel to Southern California using Avelo. If the city switches to United Airlines, the cost would rise to about $3,500 for similar travel in the next year—a 40% increase. This could impact the city’s budget and limit flexibility for staff travel.
• Ethical Concerns: Advocacy groups argue that the city should not support companies involved in deportation flights, even if it means paying more. They say public funds should reflect the community’s values and not be used to support federal immigration enforcement actions that many residents oppose.

Public Response and Advocacy

The issue has galvanized local and national advocacy groups. Humboldt Democracy Connections has organized public comment campaigns, urging residents to speak out at council meetings. Protests and boycott campaigns have spread to at least 40 cities, with demonstrators calling on Avelo to end its ICE contract.

The online petition against Avelo’s ICE flights has attracted nearly 35,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern about the company’s role in federal deportations. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such public pressure can have a significant impact on municipal decision-making, especially when combined with organized advocacy and media attention.

Avelo’s Position and Response

Avelo Airlines has responded to criticism by emphasizing the financial importance of the ICE contract. CEO Andrew Levy has stated that the contract is “too valuable not to pursue,” especially given the airline’s recent financial challenges. Avelo employs over 1,100 people and argues that the revenue from the ICE flights helps protect jobs and maintain service on other routes.

The airline also points out that its ICE flights are limited to Arizona and do not affect its operations in California. Avelo says it complies with all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) protocols, and that its role is to provide safe and legal transportation as contracted by the federal government.

National Political and Legal Developments

The controversy in Eureka is part of a larger national debate about the role of private companies in federal immigration enforcement. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker have both criticized Avelo’s ICE contract, calling for the company to reconsider its involvement.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has demanded transparency from Avelo, asking for details about the contract and raising concerns about compliance with court orders and humane treatment on deportation flights. In Connecticut, lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would require companies doing business with the state to pledge not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities for detention or transportation. This could set a precedent for other states and cities considering similar measures.

Step-by-Step: How the Decision Will Be Made

1. City Council Deliberation: The Eureka City Council reviews staff reports detailing travel costs, public sentiment, and ethical considerations.
2. Public Comment: Residents and advocacy groups present their views during council meetings, both in person and through written statements.
3. Council Vote: The council will vote on whether to continue using Avelo or switch to another carrier, likely at an upcoming meeting.
4. Implementation: If the council votes to switch airlines, city staff will update travel booking protocols and notify affected employees.

Implications for Stakeholders

• For Eureka: If the city switches airlines, it will face a 30–40% increase in travel costs for official business. This could affect the city’s budget and limit flexibility for staff travel.
• For Avelo Airlines: The ICE contract provides financial stability but has triggered reputational risks, protests, and potential loss of municipal and consumer business.
• For Affected Communities: The controversy has energized immigrant rights groups and pro-democracy advocates, leading to increased scrutiny of municipal contracts with companies involved in federal immigration enforcement.

Multiple Perspectives: A Closer Look

Broader Context: Municipal Contracts and Immigration Enforcement

The debate in Eureka is part of a growing movement across the United States 🇺🇸 to scrutinize public contracts with companies involved in federal immigration enforcement. In recent years, cities and states have adopted “sanctuary” policies that limit cooperation with ICE and other federal agencies. These policies often extend to contracting decisions, with some governments refusing to do business with companies that participate in detention or deportation operations.

The proposed bill in Connecticut is an example of this trend. If passed, it would require companies doing business with the state to pledge not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities for detention or transportation. This could have far-reaching implications for airlines, bus companies, and other transportation providers.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Eureka and Beyond

The Eureka City Council is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. The outcome could influence other municipalities facing similar questions about their business relationships with companies involved in federal immigration enforcement.

If more cities and states follow Eureka’s lead, Avelo could face significant commercial repercussions beyond the current protests and boycotts. The company may have to weigh the financial benefits of its ICE contract against the risk of losing municipal and consumer business.

Legislative trends, such as Connecticut’s proposed sanctuary law expansion, may further restrict public contracts with companies involved in ICE operations. This could reshape the landscape for airlines and other transportation providers that work with federal immigration authorities.

Practical Guidance for Residents and Stakeholders

• Stay Informed: Residents can follow the City of Eureka’s council meeting schedules and agendas to stay up to date on the debate. Meeting information is available on the City of Eureka’s official website.
• Participate: Those who wish to share their views can submit public comments or attend council meetings. Advocacy groups like Humboldt Democracy Connections provide resources and guidance for effective public engagement.
• Monitor Developments: For updates on the broader issue of municipal contracts and immigration enforcement, readers can consult official sources such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website, which provides information on federal deportation flights and related policies.

Conclusion: A Local Decision with National Impact

The debate over the Eureka City Council’s relationship with Avelo Airlines is about more than just travel costs. It reflects a broader struggle over the values that guide public spending and the role of local governments in federal immigration enforcement. As cities and states across the United States 🇺🇸 face similar questions, the outcome in Eureka could set an important precedent for how communities balance ethics, budget, and the responsibilities of public office.

Residents, advocacy groups, and public officials will continue to play a key role in shaping the city’s decision. Whatever the outcome, the debate has already sparked important conversations about transparency, accountability, and the power of local government to reflect the values of its community.

For those seeking more information on the issue, analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that public engagement and clear communication between city officials and residents are essential for making informed decisions that serve the best interests of all stakeholders. As the situation develops, staying informed and involved will be key for anyone concerned about the intersection of municipal policy, immigration enforcement, and community values.

Learn Today

Eureka City Council → Local governing body debating Avelo Airlines’ contract due to ICE deportation involvement and community concerns.
Avelo Airlines → Airline contracted to operate ICE deportation flights, facing ethical criticism and financial defense of the agreement.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → Federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including detention and deportation of undocumented individuals.
Deportation Flights → Flights contracted by ICE to transport individuals removed from the U.S. to other locations.
Public Petition → Online campaign gathering signatures to pressure the Eureka City Council to end contracts with Avelo.

This Article in a Nutshell

Eureka’s City Council debates cutting ties with Avelo Airlines due to its ICE deportation contract. Public protests and petitions highlight ethical concerns. Switching airlines could increase travel costs by 40%. This local decision may set a precedent for other cities evaluating federal immigration enforcement partnerships.
— By VisaVerge.com