Fact Check: Avelo Airlines partnered with ICE for deportation flights.

Fact Check: Avelo Airlines Partnered with ICE for Deportation Flights

What We Know

Avelo Airlines, a budget airline primarily serving smaller U.S. cities, has indeed signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This partnership was publicly announced in April 2025, with operations set to begin from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona on May 12, 2025. Avelo plans to utilize three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for these flights (AP News). The decision has sparked significant backlash, including protests and calls for boycotts from various community groups and political figures, particularly in Connecticut, where Avelo has a major hub (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that Avelo Airlines has partnered with ICE for deportation flights is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported on the airline's agreement with ICE, detailing the operational aspects and the public's reaction (AP News). NPR also covered the backlash against Avelo, highlighting protests and statements from local politicians who oppose the airline's involvement in deportation operations (NPR).

Critically assessing the reliability of these sources, both the Associated Press and NPR are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide factual reporting and are generally considered reliable. The information presented aligns with reports from other outlets, including CBS News and Fox News, which also confirmed Avelo's contract with ICE and the subsequent public outcry (CBS News, Fox News).

While some sources, such as HuffPost, indicate that Avelo is facing financial difficulties, which may have influenced its decision to enter this controversial agreement, this does not negate the veracity of the claim regarding the partnership itself (HuffPost).

Conclusion

The claim that Avelo Airlines has partnered with ICE for deportation flights is True. The evidence from multiple credible news sources confirms that Avelo has signed a contract with ICE to operate deportation flights, beginning in May 2025. The backlash from the public and political figures further underscores the contentious nature of this partnership, but it does not alter the factual basis of the claim.

Fact Check: Avelo Airlines partnered with ICE for deportation flights.