Key Takeaways
• Weekly protests at Sonoma County Airport oppose deportation flights by Avelo Airlines since April 2025.
• Activists call for a boycott of Avelo Airlines and increased transparency on local airport deportation use.
• No official statements from Avelo Airlines, Sonoma County officials, or federal agencies as of June 30, 2025.
Weekly Protests Target Deportation Flights at Sonoma County Airport
A steady wave of protests has taken hold at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in California, where demonstrators have gathered every week since at least April 2025. Their main focus: stopping deportation flights operated by Avelo Airlines and raising public awareness about the use of local airports in federal immigration enforcement. The most recent protest took place on June 30, 2025, showing the ongoing commitment of the activists involved.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Every week, local activists, community members, and supporters line Airport Boulevard near the Sonoma County airport. Their goal is clear: to oppose deportation flights and to call for a boycott of Avelo Airlines, the company contracted to operate these flights. The protests began in late April 2025 and have continued without pause, making Sonoma County a focal point in the larger national debate about immigration enforcement and the role of commercial airlines.
The protests are organized by local networks and activist groups, who use online platforms and social media to coordinate times and locations. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, remain peaceful, and share their message widely. While the gatherings are not large, their persistence has drawn attention from local media and the broader community.
Avelo Airlines, at the center of the controversy, has not issued any public statements in response to the protests or the calls for a boycott. Sonoma County officials and federal agencies involved in the deportation process have also remained silent in recent coverage.
Background: Deportation Flights and Community Response
Deportation flights are a routine part of federal immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. When someone is ordered to leave the country, they are often transported by air under the supervision of federal officers. In recent years, the use of regional airports like Sonoma County’s has become more common, partly to avoid the attention that larger airports might attract.
The decision to use commercial airlines for these flights has sparked protests in many communities. Activists argue that these flights contribute to family separation, cause fear among immigrant communities, and undermine trust in local institutions. They also say that airlines like Avelo Airlines should not participate in federal deportation operations, urging travelers to avoid flying with these companies as a form of protest.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the growing trend of using smaller airports and commercial carriers for deportation flights has led to increased scrutiny and public debate. Communities are questioning the role of local infrastructure in federal immigration policy and demanding more transparency from both airlines and government agencies.
Timeline of Key Events
- April 26, 2025: Protesters first lined Airport Boulevard near the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, denouncing Avelo Airlines’ involvement in deportation flights.
- June 2025: Weekly protests continued, with organizers calling for a full boycott of Avelo Airlines and urging more community members to join.
- June 30, 2025: The latest protest was reported, highlighting the ongoing and organized nature of the opposition.
The regularity of these demonstrations has become a defining feature. Rather than focusing on large crowds, organizers aim for sustained visibility, hoping that their ongoing presence will keep the issue in the public eye and pressure both the airline and local officials to respond.
Stakeholders and Their Positions
Several groups are directly involved or affected by the protests and the deportation flights:
Protesters and Activists
– Oppose the use of deportation flights from the Sonoma County airport.
– Organize weekly demonstrations and call for a boycott of Avelo Airlines.
– Use social media and local press to spread their message and encourage participation.
Avelo Airlines
– Contracted to operate deportation flights from the airport.
– Faces public criticism and a growing boycott campaign.
– Has not issued any official response as of June 30, 2025.
Sonoma County Officials
– No public statements have been found in the latest coverage.
– Their silence has become a point of frustration for some community members.
Federal Agencies
– Presumed to coordinate the deportation operations.
– No direct statements in recent local news, but they are responsible for enforcing immigration laws and arranging transportation for individuals ordered to leave the United States 🇺🇸.
Policy Context: Why Sonoma County?
The use of regional airports for deportation flights is not unique to Sonoma County. Across the United States 🇺🇸, federal agencies have turned to smaller airports and commercial airlines to carry out deportations more quietly and efficiently. This shift has made it harder for activists and the public to track when and where deportations are happening, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability.
Sonoma County’s protests are part of a larger movement against the use of commercial airlines in immigration enforcement. Activists argue that companies like Avelo Airlines should not profit from deportation contracts, and that local communities should have a say in how their airports are used.
The protests have also sparked a wider conversation about the impact of federal immigration policy on local communities. Many residents are asking whether their local infrastructure should be used to support actions that may not reflect the values or wishes of the community.
How the Protests Are Organized
The weekly protests are carefully coordinated by local activist networks. Organizers use online platforms like Mobilize.us to share information about upcoming events, including the time and location. Most protests take place on the sidewalk leading to the airport, where participants can be seen by travelers and passersby.
Organizers encourage everyone to join, regardless of their background or experience with activism. They ask participants to bring signs with clear messages, remain peaceful, and help spread the word through social media and local news outlets. The focus is on sustained visibility rather than large numbers, with the hope that ongoing demonstrations will keep the issue in the spotlight.
Practical Implications for Stakeholders
The ongoing protests and the use of deportation flights at Sonoma County airport have several practical effects:
For Affected Individuals
– People subject to deportation are transported under federal custody, often without much notice.
– The use of local airports can make it harder for families and advocates to track or intervene in the process.
For the Community
– The protests have raised awareness about federal immigration enforcement and sparked debate about the role of local infrastructure.
– Some residents support the protests, while others are concerned about the impact on airport operations and local business.
For Avelo Airlines
– The boycott and negative publicity may affect the airline’s reputation and business in the region.
– The company faces pressure to respond to community concerns, though no official statement has been made.
For Local Officials
– The silence from county leaders has led to calls for more transparency and public discussion about the airport’s role in deportation operations.
Community and Expert Analysis
Local media and community leaders have noted that the persistence of the protests is what sets them apart. Even though the gatherings are not large, their regularity has kept the issue in the news and forced a conversation about immigration enforcement in Sonoma County.
Activists argue that deportation flights contribute to family separation and create fear among immigrant communities. They also say that the involvement of commercial airlines like Avelo Airlines undermines trust in local institutions and makes it harder for communities to feel safe.
No recent statements from county or federal officials have been reported, leaving many questions unanswered about the future of deportation flights at the airport and the role of local government in these operations.
Future Outlook: What Happens Next?
As of June 30, 2025, there have been no announced changes to federal deportation policy or the contracts with airlines like Avelo Airlines. Activists say they will continue to protest as long as deportation flights operate from the airport and the airline remains involved.
Organizers are seeking broader community support and increased media attention, hoping to pressure both the airline and local officials to reconsider their roles in the process. They also want more transparency from federal agencies about how and when deportation flights are scheduled.
The future of these protests—and the use of Sonoma County airport for deportation flights—remains uncertain. What is clear is that the issue has sparked a lasting debate in the community and drawn attention to the ways in which local infrastructure is used in federal immigration enforcement.
Key Facts at a Glance (as of June 30, 2025)
- Protest Frequency: Weekly
- Location: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, Airport Boulevard
- Target Airline: Avelo Airlines
- Protest Focus: Opposition to deportation flights, call for airline boycott
- Most Recent Protest: June 30, 2025
- Community Impact: Heightened awareness, ongoing debate, calls for policy change
- Official Response: No recent public statements from county or federal officials
What You Can Do
If you are concerned about deportation flights or want to get involved, there are several steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Follow local news outlets such as The Press Democrat and Northern California Public Media for updates.
- Contact Local Officials: Reach out to Sonoma County government for official statements or to share your views. The official county website provides contact information and updates on local policy.
- Participate in Protests: Join weekly demonstrations or support organizers by sharing information on social media.
- Choose Your Airline: If you are considering air travel, be aware of the boycott against Avelo Airlines and make travel choices that reflect your values.
For more information about federal immigration enforcement and deportation procedures, you can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website, which provides up-to-date details on removal operations and policy.
Conclusion
The weekly protests at Sonoma County airport have become a symbol of local resistance to federal immigration enforcement and the use of commercial airlines in deportation flights. By targeting Avelo Airlines and raising public awareness, activists hope to change both policy and practice. While the outcome remains uncertain, the persistence of the demonstrations has ensured that the issue will remain in the public eye for the foreseeable future.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the growing use of regional airports and commercial carriers for deportation flights is likely to keep this debate alive in communities across the United States 🇺🇸. Whether or not the protests lead to changes in policy, they have already succeeded in sparking a vital conversation about the role of local infrastructure in federal immigration enforcement.
For official information on Sonoma County government and airport operations, visit the Sonoma County official website. Stay engaged, stay informed, and make your voice heard as this important issue continues to unfold.
Learn Today
Deportation Flights → Air transportation arranged by federal agencies to remove individuals ordered to leave the U.S.
Avelo Airlines → A commercial airline contracted to operate deportation flights from Sonoma County Airport.
Immigration Enforcement → Government actions to uphold immigration laws, including detaining and deporting unauthorized individuals.
Boycott → A collective refusal to engage with a company to protest its actions or policies.
Activist Networks → Groups coordinating protests and awareness efforts using social media and community outreach.
This Article in a Nutshell
Since April 2025, weekly protests at Sonoma County Airport target Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights, raising local awareness and calling for a boycott without official responses from involved parties, reflecting ongoing community resistance against federal immigration enforcement using regional airports.
— By VisaVerge.com
