Avelo Airlines is under fire after one of its planes, previously used for ICE deportation flights, carried commercial passengers from Tweed New Haven Regional Airport on July 28, 2025. The event has triggered protests, legislative action, and calls for boycotts across several states, raising questions about airline ethics and immigrant rights.

What Happened and Why It Matters

On July 28, an Avelo Airlines plane—recently used for ICE deportation—flew a regular passenger route from Tweed New Haven Regional Airport. The aircraft, stripped of company logos, sparked immediate protests at the airport. Demonstrators demanded that local officials cut ties with Avelo due to its involvement in deportation operations. Similar protests erupted at other airports, including Baltimore/Washington International and Albany.

Avelo’s ICE Contract and Public Response

Avelo Airlines began working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in April 2025, signing a long-term charter contract to operate deportation flights, mainly from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. The first deportation flight took place on May 12, 2025. Since then, Avelo planes have been repainted to remove logos and used for both deportation and commercial flights, sometimes within days of each other.

CEO Andrew Levy defended the ICE contract, saying it was necessary for the airline’s financial health and to protect jobs. However, many officials and advocacy groups disagree. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker called the partnership “deeply disappointing and disturbing,” urging Avelo to reconsider. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Richard Blumenthal sent a letter demanding transparency and warning that the airline could be complicit in deportations that violate due process.

Legislative and Community Reactions

The backlash has led to legislative proposals. In New York, the SAFE AIR Act would remove jet fuel tax exemptions from airlines involved in deportation flights without ensuring due process for deportees. Connecticut and other states are reviewing contracts and subsidies for Avelo. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and New York State Senator Patricia Fahy are leading efforts to revoke state benefits for airlines participating in controversial deportations.

Impact on Immigrants and Passengers

Advocacy groups claim that Avelo’s flights have enabled ICE deportation of people with pending legal cases or court orders allowing them to stay in the United States ??. This has caused fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. Passengers also worry about transparency and safety, as planes used for deportations return to commercial service quickly.

How the Process Works

Avelo removes planes from regular service, repaints them, and uses them for ICE deportation flights. Afterward, these planes may return to commercial routes. ICE coordinates these flights through ICE Air Operations, often using subcarriers like Avelo under contracts with companies such as CSI Aviation. For more details on ICE Air Operations, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official page.

What’s Next?

Avelo plans to end all California and West Coast flights in August 2025, citing financial pressures and backlash. The SAFE AIR Act and similar bills could further impact Avelo’s business if passed. Protests and legal actions are expected to continue.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this situation highlights the growing tension between airline business decisions and public concern for immigrant rights. Passengers and communities are encouraged to stay informed and contact local officials with concerns about airline practices.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations.
Deportation flight → A flight specifically used to transport individuals out of the country under immigration orders.
Charter contract → An agreement allowing an airline to operate flights on behalf of another entity, like ICE.
Due process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system before removal actions.
SAFE AIR Act → Proposed legislation to revoke tax benefits from airlines involved in deportation flights without due process.

This Article in a Nutshell

Avelo Airlines sparked protests after using a former ICE deportation plane for commercial flights. The controversy highlights airline ethics conflicts and legislation like the SAFE AIR Act, targeting airlines involved in deportations without due process, influencing immigration rights and airline operations nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com