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politics21h ago
ICE is trying to buy a $70 million luxury jet to shuttle migrants for deportation
Independent.co.uk and 1 more
- ICE is seeking a $70 million luxury jet to shuttle migrants for deportations and to serve cabinet travel, signaling a broader push for premium transport within DHS.
- DHS had already leased a Boeing 737 Max 8 described as a luxury jet, now prompting scrutiny over whether ICE should own a dedicated deportation aircraft.
- DHS argues the new jet would cut costs by flying 40% cheaper than military aircraft for ICE deportation flights, aiming to save taxpayers hundreds of millions.
- Noem-era planning emphasizes efficiency and cost-saving, with the jet framed as part of broader efforts to curb inefficiencies in government travel.
- The jet reportedly can hold up to 18 passengers and sleep 14, though deportation flights often carry far more detainees, raising questions about practicality.
- Some ICE officials reportedly questioned whether a luxury jet is a necessary expense to support mass deportations, highlighting internal policy tensions.
- The Independent notes OMB involvement, with DHS signaling expected White House approval for the purchase despite lingering questions.
- Noem's higher-profile travel spending, including private jets during a government shutdown, is cited as context for scrutiny of any new luxury transport.
- The jet's interior marketing emphasizes luxury with a bedroom, showers, kitchen, bar, and multiple TVs, raising optics about deportation logistics vs. humane transport.
- ICE’s plan would retrofit the jet to meet deportation mission needs, though exact detainee capacity and configuration remain unclear.
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