Key Takeaways
• Salem City Council will review its 10-year contract with Avelo Airlines amid protests over ICE deportation flights.
• Avelo Airlines operates deportation charters for ICE, dedicating 25% of its Boeing 737-800 fleet to these flights.
• Federal lawmakers demand transparency as protests continue, raising legal and ethical concerns over deportation operations.
The Salem City Council is set to review its contract with Avelo Airlines after weeks of public protests and growing concern over the airline’s role in ICE deportations. This review, scheduled for the council’s next meeting, comes at a time when the city faces mounting pressure from residents, advocacy groups, and lawmakers to reconsider its relationship with Avelo. The controversy began after Avelo’s first confirmed deportation flight for ICE on May 12, 2025, and has since sparked a national debate about the responsibilities of local governments, airlines, and communities in federal immigration enforcement.
What’s Happening: The Core Issue
Who: Salem City Council, Avelo Airlines, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), local residents, advocacy groups, and federal lawmakers
What: Salem City Council will hear a report on its contract with Avelo Airlines, following public outcry over Avelo’s involvement in ICE deportation flights
When: The council meeting is scheduled for late June 2025, after weeks of protests and public debate
Where: Salem, Oregon, at the Salem Municipal Airport
Why: Residents and advocacy groups are demanding the city end its relationship with Avelo, citing ethical and legal concerns over deportation flights
How: The council will review the contract, consider public input, and discuss possible actions within the limits of its legal authority
Why the Contract with Avelo Airlines Matters
Avelo Airlines is the only commercial carrier at Salem Municipal Airport, operating under a 10-year contract signed in 2023. This contract allows Avelo to provide commercial service to Salem, with a revenue guarantee agreement funded by private donations and a federal grant. The city does not use its own funds for this subsidy. According to city officials, the contract can only be ended if Avelo fails to meet its obligations or if a lien is filed against the airport because of Avelo’s actions.
The controversy began when it was reported on April 7, 2025, that Avelo had signed a contract with ICE to operate deportation flights. The first such flight took place on May 12, 2025. Since then, protests have erupted at airports across the country, including Salem, as part of a coordinated campaign led by groups like the “Coalition to Stop Avelo.” These groups argue that Avelo is complicit in illegal removals and human rights violations.
The Role of Salem City Council
The Salem City Council is now in a difficult position. On one hand, it has a binding contract with Avelo that supports commercial air service and brings economic benefits to the city. On the other hand, it faces strong public pressure to cut ties with the airline because of its involvement in ICE deportations.
Key points about the contract:
– Length: 10 years, signed in 2023
– Revenue Guarantee: Avelo received $445,000 in its first year, with $755,000 remaining for the next year. The money comes from private and federal sources, not city funds.
– Termination: The contract can only be ended if Avelo fails to meet its obligations or if a lien is filed against the airport due to Avelo’s actions.
City Manager Krishna Namburi has made it clear that Salem has no direct relationship with ICE and cannot stop federal deportation flights from using the airport. Mayor Julie Hoy has also expressed concern about the financial risks of changing or ending the contract.
Avelo Airlines’ Position
Avelo Airlines, a relatively new ultra-low-cost carrier, has defended its contract with ICE. CEO Andrew Levy says the deal is necessary for the airline’s financial health and helps keep over 1,100 people employed. Avelo points out that it has operated similar charter flights for ICE under both President Biden and President Trump, and that as a U.S. flag carrier, it must respond to government requests.
Avelo has set aside three of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft—about 25% of its 13-plane fleet—for ICE operations. Most of these deportation flights are currently running out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, not Salem. However, the controversy has affected Avelo’s reputation and operations in all the cities it serves.
Public Outcry and Protests
Since the news broke about Avelo’s ICE contract, protests have taken place at dozens of airports across the country. In Salem, local groups and national organizations like the “Coalition to Stop Avelo” have led demonstrations, calling for the city to end its contract with the airline. These groups are also considering legal action against cities that subsidize Avelo, arguing that public money should not support companies involved in deportations.
Concerns raised by advocacy groups include:
– The risk of deporting people who have legal protections or pending court cases
– The possibility of violating court orders and due process rights
– The fear and distress caused in immigrant communities
– The ethical question of whether cities should support companies involved in federal immigration enforcement
Lawmakers Demand Answers
The controversy has drawn the attention of federal lawmakers. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have formally demanded that Avelo Airlines explain its policies and procedures for deportation flights. They are especially concerned about whether Avelo is following court orders and protecting the rights of people who should not be deported.
In their letter, the senators asked Avelo to provide detailed information about:
– How it checks for court orders or legal protections before carrying out deportations
– What steps it takes to ensure due process for individuals on deportation flights
– How it trains its staff to handle these sensitive situations
The Impact on Immigrant Communities
For many immigrants in Salem and other cities served by Avelo, the news has caused real fear and anxiety. Some worry that the city’s contract with Avelo means local officials are helping ICE, even if the city says it has no control over federal operations. Others are concerned about the risk of wrongful deportations and the loss of trust in local institutions.
Community leaders and advocacy groups say the controversy has made it harder for immigrants to feel safe, even if they have legal status or are not directly affected by ICE actions. They argue that the city should do everything possible to avoid supporting companies involved in deportations.
Legal and Financial Risks for Salem
The Salem City Council faces a tough decision. If it tries to end the contract with Avelo, the city could face financial penalties or lose commercial air service. If it keeps the contract, it risks further protests and damage to its reputation.
Key risks include:
– Financial: The city could be forced to pay damages if it breaks the contract without legal cause.
– Legal: Advocacy groups may file lawsuits against the city, arguing that public funds are supporting human rights violations.
– Reputational: Ongoing protests and negative media coverage could harm the city’s image and make it harder to attract new businesses or residents.
How Deportation Flights Work
Avelo operates deportation flights as charters for ICE, using designated aircraft and crews. The airline says it has internal policies to ensure safety and legal compliance, but it has not made these policies public. This lack of transparency is one reason why lawmakers and advocacy groups are demanding answers.
The typical process for a deportation flight includes:
– ICE contracts with an airline to transport individuals who have been ordered removed from the United States 🇺🇸.
– The airline provides aircraft and crew for the flight.
– ICE is responsible for the custody and security of individuals during the flight.
– The airline is expected to follow all court orders and legal protections, but oversight is limited.
For more information on ICE’s role in deportations, readers can visit the official ICE removal operations page.
The Bigger Picture: National Trends and Policy Debates
Avelo’s entry into the deportation flight business is part of a larger trend. In recent years, the United States 🇺🇸 has increased its use of charter airlines to carry out deportations, especially under policies that prioritize quick removals. The Trump administration’s renewed focus on aggressive immigration enforcement has led to more deportation flights and greater scrutiny of airline contractors.
Legal controversies have also grown, with some deportations taking place even when courts have ordered a pause. In several cases, federal judges have held the government in contempt for ignoring these orders. This has raised serious questions about due process and the rights of individuals facing removal.
What’s Next for Salem and Avelo Airlines?
The Salem City Council’s upcoming report and possible actions could set an example for other cities facing similar issues. If Salem finds a way to change or end its contract with Avelo, it could encourage other municipalities to do the same. On the other hand, if the city decides it cannot act, it may highlight the limits of local power in federal immigration matters.
Avelo Airlines, meanwhile, faces ongoing protests, boycott campaigns, and possible legal challenges. The airline says the ICE contract is vital for its financial health, but dedicating a quarter of its fleet to deportation flights is a major shift that could affect its commercial business and public image.
Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholder Views
| Stakeholder | Position/Concerns |
|---|---|
| Salem City Officials | Financial risk of contract termination; limited authority over federal actions |
| Avelo Airlines | Financial necessity; obligation as a U.S. carrier; claims of nonpartisan cooperation |
| Federal Lawmakers | Legal and ethical concerns; demands for transparency and compliance with court orders |
| Community Groups | Calls for boycott, contract cancellation, and legal action; focus on human rights and due process |
| Immigrant Communities | Fear of deportation, loss of trust in local institutions, concern over due process violations |
Practical Guidance for Residents and Stakeholders
If you are a Salem resident concerned about the city’s contract with Avelo Airlines, you can:
– Attend the next Salem City Council meeting and share your views during the public comment period
– Contact your city council representative to express your concerns or support
– Follow updates from advocacy groups like the “Coalition to Stop Avelo” for information on protests and legal actions
– Stay informed about your rights and resources if you or someone you know is at risk of deportation
If you are part of the immigrant community, it is important to know that local governments often have limited control over federal immigration enforcement. However, you can seek legal advice and support from local organizations and immigration attorneys.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
- Salem City Council’s decision: Will the city try to renegotiate or end its contract with Avelo, or will it maintain the status quo?
- Avelo’s response: How will the airline address public concerns and demands for transparency?
- Federal oversight: Will lawmakers push for new rules or investigations into airline contracts for deportation flights?
- Community action: Will protests and legal challenges continue to grow, and will they lead to changes in policy or practice?
Authoritative Analysis
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Salem reflects a growing national debate over the role of local governments and private companies in federal immigration enforcement. The outcome of the Salem City Council’s review could influence similar debates in other cities, especially as more communities question the ethics and legality of supporting companies involved in deportations.
Conclusion: A Community at a Crossroads
The Salem City Council’s upcoming review of its contract with Avelo Airlines is more than a local issue—it is part of a larger conversation about immigration, public accountability, and the limits of local power. As the city weighs its options, residents, advocacy groups, and lawmakers will be watching closely. The decisions made in Salem could shape how other communities respond to similar challenges in the future.
For official updates and council meeting schedules, visit the City of Salem’s website. If you have questions about your rights or need legal help, consider reaching out to local immigration organizations or attorneys.
By staying informed and engaged, Salem residents and stakeholders can help shape the city’s response to this complex and important issue.
Learn Today
Avelo Airlines → A U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier involved in commercial and ICE deportation flight operations nationwide.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency managing immigration enforcement and deportations.
Deportation Flights → Chartered flights arranged by ICE to remove individuals ordered to leave the United States legally.
Revenue Guarantee → Financial assurance providing Avelo minimum income funded by private donations and a federal grant.
Lien → A legal claim against the airport property that can trigger contract termination if linked to Avelo.
This Article in a Nutshell
Salem faces turmoil as its City Council examines the contract with Avelo Airlines, sparking debates on ethics, legality, and community trust amid ICE deportation flight controversies.
— By VisaVerge.com
