Key Takeaways
• Avelo Airlines operates ICE deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport using unmarked Boeing 737-800 planes.
• Protests in nearly 30 U.S. cities demand end to Avelo’s deportation contract worth $78.1 million to $162.2 million.
• Local officials and state lawmakers propose laws like Safe Air Act to ban deportation flights on commercial airlines.
Dozens Protest Avelo Airlines’ Deportation Flights at Rochester Airport
On the weekend of May 31 and June 1, 2025, the area near Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport became the latest stage for a growing national movement. Protesters gathered to demand that Avelo Airlines stop operating deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This demonstration was not an isolated event. It was part of a coordinated effort across nearly 30 cities in the United States 🇺🇸, including actions in California, Montana, Connecticut, and at Avelo’s own headquarters in Houston.
The protests, organized by the Stop Avelo Coalition and the national 50501 network, reflect deep concerns about the role of commercial airlines in federal deportation operations. As Avelo Airlines continues its contract with ICE, the debate has drawn in local officials, federal lawmakers, and community activists, each with their own perspective on what is at stake.
Why Are People Protesting Avelo Airlines?
The main reason for the protests is Avelo Airlines’ recent decision to operate deportation flights for ICE. On May 12, 2025, Avelo began flying people identified for removal from the United States 🇺🇸 under a new contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These flights are based out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona and use three Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The planes do not display Avelo’s usual branding, making them less visible to the public.
The contract is part of a larger DHS effort to increase deportation capacity. Avelo acts as a sub-carrier under CSI Aviation, a company that has worked with ICE for years. The value of the contract is at least $78.1 million for six months, with the possibility of rising to $162.2 million if extended.
Protesters argue that by participating in these flights, Avelo is helping to separate families and send people to countries where they may face danger. They also worry that some deportations may happen without proper legal review, a process known as “due process.” Activists believe that commercial airlines should not be involved in deportations, especially when there are questions about fairness and safety.
What Happened at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport?
Nearly 25 protesters gathered near the airport, holding signs and chanting slogans against Avelo Airlines and the deportation flights. They called on Monroe County officials to publicly condemn Avelo and to end any county financial support for the airline. Similar protests took place at other airports, including Albany International Airport, where over 100 people joined, and New Haven, Connecticut, where hundreds turned out.
The Stop Avelo Coalition, along with other groups like 50501 and Indivisible, led the demonstrations. They also launched online petitions calling for a boycott of Avelo Airlines. These petitions have collected between 25,000 and 35,000 signatures since April 2025.
Avelo Airlines’ Response
Avelo Airlines has responded to the criticism by emphasizing the importance of safety and job security. In a public statement, the company said, “The safety and well-being of our Crewmembers (employees), Customers and all individuals involved is our highest priority. While we recognize the right of individuals to peacefully assemble, Avelo’s main priority will continue to be maintaining the safety and timeliness of our operation.”
CEO Andrew Levy explained that the contract with ICE is “too valuable not to pursue.” He said that the revenue from the contract is necessary to keep the airline financially stable and to protect the jobs of over 1,100 employees. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, Avelo’s decision reflects the tough financial situation many airlines face, especially smaller carriers that have struggled with lower passenger numbers since the pandemic.
How Do Deportation Flights Work?
The process for deportation flights involves several steps:
- ICE identifies individuals for removal from the United States 🇺🇸 and arranges their transportation.
- Avelo Airlines, as a sub-carrier for CSI Aviation, provides the aircraft and crews for charter flights.
- Flights operate from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona and other locations, moving detainees both within the country and internationally.
- The planes used for these flights are unmarked, meaning they do not show Avelo’s commercial logo or colors.
- ICE and contracted security staff manage the detainees during the flights.
- Flights are coordinated with the receiving countries to ensure that people are accepted upon arrival.
This arrangement is unusual because, in the past, ICE mostly used charter-only airlines that do not sell tickets to the public. Avelo is one of the first retail airlines to take on this kind of contract, which has raised new questions about the role of commercial airlines in immigration enforcement.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Protesters and Activists
Groups like the Stop Avelo Coalition argue that Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights is wrong. They say it helps the government remove people who may not have had a fair chance to present their case in court. Activists also worry about the safety and well-being of those being deported, especially if they are sent to countries where they could face harm.
Avelo Airlines
Avelo’s leadership insists that the contract is necessary for the company’s survival. They point to the need to protect jobs and keep the airline running. The company also stresses that it is following all laws and regulations and that safety remains its top concern.
Local and State Officials
Some local officials, including Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart and Vice-President Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons, have called for a review of the county’s financial relationship with Avelo Airlines. They want to reconsider any public incentives or support given to the airline in light of its new role in deportation flights.
At the state level, New York State Senator Pat Fahy has introduced the Safe Air Act. This proposed law would ban deportation flights on commercial airlines unless there is proof that each person has received due process. The law would also remove jet fuel tax exemptions for airlines that take part in deportation operations.
Federal Lawmakers
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has publicly condemned Avelo’s contract with ICE, urging the airline to “change its course.” Other lawmakers, especially those from the Republican Party, have defended the contract as part of the federal government’s responsibility to enforce immigration laws.
ICE and DHS
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not commented publicly on the protests. Their main focus is on expanding deportation capacity, especially under President Trump’s renewed push for mass removals.
Flight Attendants Union
The union representing flight attendants has criticized the contract, raising concerns about both safety and ethics. They argue that flight crews should not be put in the position of carrying out deportations, which can be stressful and potentially dangerous.
Policy Implications and Real-World Effects
For Immigrants
The biggest impact is on immigrants facing deportation. Activists say that some people may be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 without a fair hearing, which could lead to families being separated or individuals being sent to unsafe conditions. Concerns about due process and human rights are at the heart of the protests.
For Avelo Airlines
While the contract brings in much-needed revenue, it has also led to a wave of negative publicity. The company faces boycotts, petitions, and the risk of losing support from local governments. There is also a risk that other airlines may face similar pressure if they consider taking on ICE contracts.
For Local and State Governments
Counties and states are now under pressure to review their financial ties to airlines involved in deportation flights. Some officials are considering ending public incentives or support for these companies. If more states pass laws like the Safe Air Act, it could become harder for airlines to profit from deportation contracts.
For ICE and DHS
The contract with Avelo Airlines allows ICE to increase the number of people it can deport. This supports the federal government’s enforcement priorities, especially as Congress debates increasing funding for ICE and expanding detention capacity.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Avelo Airlines launched in 2021 as a low-cost carrier, quickly expanding to serve smaller cities and underserved markets. Like many airlines, Avelo faced financial challenges as travel demand dropped during the pandemic. In April 2025, the company signed a contract with DHS and ICE to operate deportation flights, saying it was necessary to keep the business afloat.
This move marked a major shift. Traditionally, ICE relied on charter-only airlines that do not sell tickets to the public. Avelo’s decision to take on the contract brought the issue into the public eye, sparking immediate backlash. Protests, petitions, and calls for boycotts spread across the country, with activists demanding that commercial airlines stay out of deportation operations.
Expert Analysis and Investigations
Tom Cartwright, a researcher with Witness at the Border, pointed out that it is unusual for a retail airline like Avelo to participate in deportation flights. He said that this has mostly been the job of charter-only operators, not airlines that sell tickets to the public.
A recent investigation by ProPublica raised concerns about the use of restraints on deportation flights and the risk of due process violations. Legal experts and activists argue that when commercial airlines get involved, it blurs the line between public service and profit. This raises ethical and legal questions about whether companies should profit from immigration enforcement.
The Growing Movement: Protests and Petitions
The Stop Avelo Coalition and other groups have kept up the pressure with ongoing protests and online campaigns. Their main demands are:
- End Avelo’s contract with ICE
- Stop all county and state financial support for airlines involved in deportation flights
- Pass laws to protect due process and prevent commercial airlines from taking part in deportations
Petitions calling for a boycott of Avelo Airlines have gathered tens of thousands of signatures. Activists plan to continue their demonstrations in the coming weeks, hoping to force the company and lawmakers to change course.
Legislative and Corporate Responses
The Safe Air Act, introduced in New York, could set an example for other states. If passed, it would make it harder for airlines to profit from deportation flights without proof that each person has received a fair hearing. The law would also remove tax breaks for airlines that participate in these operations.
Ongoing public pressure, boycotts, and media attention may force Avelo and other airlines to rethink their involvement with ICE. Some companies may decide that the financial benefits are not worth the risk to their reputation and customer trust.
What Happens Next?
The situation is still developing. Congress is debating whether to increase funding for ICE, with some lawmakers pushing for the deportation of up to 1 million immigrants each year. At the same time, activists are planning more protests and campaigns to keep the issue in the public eye.
Local and state governments may take further action, reviewing their financial relationships with airlines involved in deportation flights. If more states pass laws like the Safe Air Act, it could change the way airlines do business with the federal government.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
- For travelers: If you are concerned about flying with Avelo Airlines, you can check the company’s official website for updates or contact customer service with your questions.
- For local residents: You can contact your county legislature or state representatives to share your views on public incentives for airlines involved in deportation flights.
- For immigrants and advocates: Stay informed about your rights and the latest policy changes. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website provides official information on removal operations and procedures. You can visit the ICE official website for more details.
- For activists: The Stop Avelo Coalition and similar groups provide resources and updates on upcoming protests and campaigns.
Conclusion
The protests at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport are part of a larger national debate about the role of commercial airlines in immigration enforcement. As Avelo Airlines continues its contract with ICE, the company faces growing public backlash, legal challenges, and pressure from local and state officials. The outcome of this debate could shape the future of deportation operations in the United States 🇺🇸 and set important precedents for how businesses, governments, and communities respond to complex immigration issues.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with further protests, legislative proposals, and possible changes in airline policy expected in the coming weeks. Stakeholders from all sides are watching closely, knowing that the decisions made now will have lasting effects on immigrants, airline workers, and the broader community.
Learn Today
Deportation flights → Air transport operations used to remove individuals from the United States under immigration enforcement.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for identifying and detaining individuals for removal.
Due process → Legal requirement ensuring individuals receive fair notice and hearing before removal from the country.
Sub-carrier → An airline contracted by another company to provide aircraft and crews for specific flights.
Safe Air Act → Proposed New York law banning deportation flights on commercial airlines without proof of due process.
This Article in a Nutshell
Protests erupted at Rochester Airport against Avelo Airlines’ $78.1 million deportation flight contract with ICE, sparking nationwide debate on ethics and immigration enforcement roles for commercial airlines.
— By VisaVerge.com
