Key Takeaways
• Avelo Airlines began ICE deportation flights from Arizona in May 2025, sparking protests at Portland Jetport.
• Avelo receives a 100% waiver on landing fees at Portland Jetport, totalling about $1,200 weekly in incentives.
• Federal and state officials demand transparency; Connecticut and New York consider removing public subsidies from Avelo.
On July 12, 2025, protesters gathered outside the Portland Jetport to demand that Avelo Airlines end its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation flights. The demonstration, which drew dozens of local residents and immigration advocates, focused on Avelo’s recent partnership with ICE and the airline’s eligibility for public incentives at the Jetport. Protesters called for a boycott of Avelo and urged city officials to reconsider public support for airlines involved in deportations.
Protesters Rally Against Deportation Flights
The rally at Portland Jetport was organized in response to news that Avelo Airlines began operating ICE deportation flights in May 2025, mainly out of Arizona. Protesters held signs and chanted slogans, calling attention to what they described as human rights violations linked to the deportation process. Many participants argued that public resources should not support companies involved in deportations, especially when those actions may separate families or violate due process.
Rachel Weinstein, one of the protesters, explained the group’s position: “Whether or not it’s a public airport, we don’t believe that anyone who’s violating anyone else’s human rights, any business should be allowed to continue and be allowed to receive incentives from the airport.” This sentiment was echoed by others at the rally, who urged travelers to avoid flying with Avelo Airlines from Portland Jetport.
Avelo Airlines’ Response and Flight Operations
Avelo Airlines has responded to the criticism by clarifying the nature of its operations. The airline confirmed that its charter flights for ICE are only based out of Arizona and are not connected to commercial services at Portland Jetport. Since May 2025, Avelo has offered new nonstop commercial flights between New Haven, Connecticut, and Portland, Maine, operating on Thursdays and Sundays.
There is no public evidence or confirmation that ICE deportation flights have originated from or passed through Portland Jetport. Avelo maintains that its ICE flights are separate from its commercial operations in Portland and that it complies with all applicable laws.
City of Portland’s Role and Jetport Policy
The Portland City Council has taken notice of the controversy. In recent weeks, council members have held closed-door sessions to discuss possible actions regarding Avelo’s operations at the Jetport, especially in light of public subsidies and incentives provided to airlines launching new nonstop routes.
Under the Jetport’s Air Service Incentive Program, Avelo is eligible for a waiver of 100% of landing and terminal use fees for the first year of its new route, which amounts to about $1,200 per week in waived fees. This incentive is designed to attract new air service to Portland, but it has come under scrutiny as activists and some councilors question whether airlines involved in deportation flights should benefit from public support.
City officials, including spokesperson Jessica Grondin and Jetport Director Paul Bradbury, have explained that as a public use airport, Portland cannot legally ban specific airlines from operating if they are federally certificated. The city also cannot inspect or regulate the nature of flights beyond standard aviation requirements. This means that while the city can review its incentive policies, it has limited power to restrict Avelo’s operations based solely on its federal contracts.
Councilor Wes Pelletier and Councilor Kate Sykes have both voiced concern about the city’s limited oversight and the ethical implications of supporting an airline involved in deportations. They have called for a review of the incentive program and greater transparency in how public funds are used.
Federal and State-Level Reactions
The controversy over Avelo Airlines’ ICE deportation flights has drawn attention beyond Portland. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have publicly demanded transparency from Avelo regarding its partnership with ICE. Both senators criticized the airline’s role in deportations under the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies.
Senator Padilla and Senator Blumenthal have called for more information about the nature of Avelo’s contract with ICE and the impact of these flights on immigrant communities. Their statements reflect growing concern at the federal level about the use of commercial airlines for deportation purposes.
At the state level, both New York and Connecticut are reportedly considering removing public subsidies for Avelo due to its participation in ICE deportation flights. Connecticut officials have stated they are “mulling all of our options” to stop Avelo’s ICE deportation charters, signaling that state governments may take action to limit public support for airlines involved in controversial federal contracts.
Background and Historical Context
Avelo Airlines entered into a long-term contract with ICE on April 7, 2025, and flew its first deportation flight for ICE on May 12, 2025. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies have intensified in recent months, with reports of deportations occurring without due process and, in some cases, in violation of court orders.
The use of commercial airlines for deportation flights is not new, but the issue has become more visible as activists and lawmakers question the role of private companies in federal immigration enforcement. The controversy has sparked a national debate about the responsibilities of local governments and airports in regulating or responding to such activities.
Practical Implications for Travelers and Residents
For travelers and Portland residents, the main practical effect of the controversy is the call for a boycott of Avelo’s commercial flights from Portland Jetport. Activists hope that public pressure will convince the airline to end its contract with ICE or prompt city officials to reconsider public incentives for airlines involved in deportations.
However, the city’s ability to intervene is legally constrained. As a public use airport, Portland cannot ban Avelo or other airlines based solely on their federal contracts or the nature of their charter operations. The Air Service Incentive Program remains in place, but its future is under review as councilors and activists push for policy changes.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Immigration advocates and local activists argue that public resources should not support companies complicit in what they view as human rights violations. They point to reports of deportations occurring without due process and the impact on families and communities.
City officials emphasize the legal limitations imposed by federal aviation law. They note that any significant changes to airport policy would likely require federal action or changes to existing regulations.
Avelo Airlines maintains that its ICE flights are separate from its commercial operations in Portland and that it is following all applicable laws. The airline has not indicated any plans to end its contract with ICE.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
The Portland City Council is expected to continue reviewing its incentive policies in the coming months. Councilors may seek ways to increase transparency or limit subsidies for airlines engaged in controversial federal contracts. Any changes to the Air Service Incentive Program would likely require a public process and input from stakeholders.
State-level actions in Connecticut and New York could set important precedents for how public subsidies are tied to airline conduct regarding deportation flights. If these states move to remove subsidies for Avelo, other states and cities may follow suit.
Continued protests and advocacy are likely as the issue remains unresolved. Activists plan to keep pressure on both the airline and city officials, while lawmakers at the state and federal levels consider possible policy changes.
What This Means for Immigrants and the Community
The controversy over Avelo Airlines’ ICE deportation flights highlights the complex relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local communities. For immigrants, the use of commercial airlines for deportation flights can create fear and uncertainty, especially when reports suggest that some deportations may violate due process.
For the broader community, the issue raises questions about how public resources are used and the ethical responsibilities of local governments. Many residents want to ensure that public funds do not support activities they view as harmful or unjust.
Possible Solutions and Next Steps
While the city’s legal options are limited, there are several possible steps that could address community concerns:
- Review and Revise Incentive Policies: The city council can review the Air Service Incentive Program to ensure that public funds are not used to support airlines involved in controversial federal contracts. This could include adding transparency requirements or limiting eligibility for incentives.
- Increase Transparency: City officials can require airlines to disclose any federal contracts related to deportation flights as a condition of receiving public support.
- Advocate for Federal Action: Local officials can work with state and federal lawmakers to push for changes to federal aviation law that would give cities more control over airport operations.
- Support Affected Communities: The city and local organizations can provide support and resources for immigrants who may be affected by deportation flights, including legal assistance and community outreach.
Resources for More Information
For readers seeking more information about the Portland Jetport, Avelo Airlines, or ICE deportation flights, the following official resources are available:
- Portland International Jetport: portlandjetport.org
- City of Portland, Maine: portlandmaine.gov
- Avelo Airlines: aveloair.com
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE official website (for information on deportation flights and policies)
These resources provide up-to-date information on airport policies, airline operations, and federal immigration enforcement.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the debate over Avelo Airlines’ ICE deportation flights at Portland Jetport is part of a larger national conversation about the role of private companies in immigration enforcement. As more communities become aware of the connections between airlines and federal deportation operations, pressure is likely to grow for greater transparency and accountability.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The protests at Portland Jetport against Avelo Airlines’ ICE deportation flights have brought national attention to the intersection of immigration enforcement, public policy, and corporate responsibility. While Avelo’s ICE flights are not connected to its commercial operations in Portland, the airline’s eligibility for public incentives has sparked debate about how local governments should respond to federal immigration policies.
For now, the city’s hands are tied by federal law, but ongoing protests and calls for policy changes suggest that the issue is far from settled. Travelers, residents, and policymakers will need to weigh the legal, ethical, and practical implications as they consider the future of air service incentives and the role of airlines in deportation flights.
Anyone concerned about these issues can stay informed by following updates from official sources, contacting their elected representatives, and participating in public discussions about the use of public resources and the rights of immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Deportation flights → Flights contracted by ICE to transport individuals removed from the U.S. to other countries.
Public subsidies → Financial incentives or support provided by government entities to promote airline routes and services.
Air Service Incentive Program → Portland Jetport’s program offering fee waivers to encourage new nonstop air routes.
Charter flights → Flights arranged for specific purposes, often contracted by organizations like ICE, separate from commercial services.
This Article in a Nutshell
Protests erupted at Portland Jetport over Avelo Airlines’ ICE deportation flights starting May 2025 from Arizona, igniting ethical debates and pushing city officials to reconsider public airline incentives amid legal limits.
— By VisaVerge.com
