en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to procure 10 commercial aircraft for the expansion of its deportation fleet. This initiative involves a budget of approximately $464 million, intending to purchase eight Boeing 737 single-aisle jetliners and two Gulfstream G650 business jets. This move aims to change the agency's current practice of relying on private operators and charter flights for deportation operations.
The procurement funds come from a larger pool of $29.9 billion, originally intended to support the previous administration's immigration agenda. According to The Washington Post, in December 2025, ICE considered purchasing six Boeing 737 aircraft from Daedalus Aviation for $140 million. The newly announced budget amount is more than three times higher than the previously disclosed figure. This purchase plan was only made public in late March through documents from the Office of Management and Budget.
The Gulfstream G650 business jets are described as having "dual-use" capabilities, meaning they can be used for both deportation flights and administrative travel for the Department of Homeland Security. This announcement has raised concerns, as former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired for planning to purchase a $70 million luxury Boeing 737. Noem's proposed jet was claimed to be a "dual-use" platform but could only accommodate 18 passengers. California Representative Mike Levin, upon learning that Noem was considering purchasing the aircraft, stated, "Secretary Noem's decision is not just a waste of money—it's a failure of leadership and an insult to taxpayers. Kristi Noem's jet is more than just a waste of money."
Compared to Noem's private 737 plan, the newly procured G650 business jets have lower capacity and higher cost. The Gulfstream jets can accommodate roughly the same number of passengers, but each aircraft costs $10 or $20 million more. The G650's capacity limitations may affect its practicality for deportation activities, making it primarily suitable for administrative transport. While the G650 has a lower hourly operating cost, about half that of a Boeing 737, this advantage is only significant if the aircraft have the same seating capacity.
Daedalus Aviation and Salus Worldwide Solutions, linked to former Homeland Security advisor Corey Lewandowski, have received payments exceeding $1 billion from Department of Homeland Security contracts. According to NOTUS, Lewandowski played a significant role in reviewing DHS contracts, which has prompted increased scrutiny of the program. Investigations into Lewandowski are related to the aircraft expansion plan, and he is reportedly a primary architect of the department's controversial contracting process.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
