The Trump administration has intensified its immigration crackdown with a new aviation investment. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has signed a contract worth nearly $140 million to acquire six Boeing 737 aircraft that will be used for deportation flights. The Washington Post first reported the development, and DHS confirmed it on Wednesday.
The planes will be purchased from Daedalus Aviation, a Virginia-based firm. The company specialises in flight operations for complex missions, including evacuations and international repatriations.
DHS Defends the Purchase as Cost-Efficient
In a statement to The Guardian, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stressed that the decision would reduce long-term spending. “This new initiative will save $279m in taxpayer dollars by allowing ICE to operate more effectively, including by using more efficient flight patterns," McLaughlin said.
She added, “President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to quickly and efficiently getting criminal illegal aliens OUT of our country."
Daedalus Aviation also highlighted its experience in handling sensitive missions. On its website, the company states that it “provides comprehensive, responsive flight operations tailored to the unique needs of each mission", and that its services range from “high-tempo government-directed evacuations to sensitive international repatriations”. It further notes, “Whether operating in contested airspace, remote locations, or under diplomatic sensitivity, we deliver aviation support that moves people – and missions – forward."
Funding Comes from Trump’s Expanded Border Budget
According to The Washington Post, Congress had already approved $170 billion for Trump’s border and immigration measures. This wide funding pool covers new detention facilities, ICE enforcement activity, and construction related to the border wall. The money for the new aircraft is expected to come from this allocation.
The aircraft purchase marks another step in what the administration calls the “largest deportation operation in American history”.
Earlier Aircraft Plans Faced Setbacks
The latest deal follows an earlier proposal that stalled. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and senior Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski directed ICE to buy 10 Boeing 737 jets from Spirit Airlines. These planes were expected to expand deportation flights and potentially serve as transport for senior officials.
However, the plan fell apart. Officials learned that Spirit did not own the aircraft and that the jets lacked engines. They also noted that purchasing planes outright would be far more expensive than leasing or contracting flights. As a result, the proposal was shelved.
What Happens Next
The new contract with Daedalus represents a fresh attempt to increase aviation capacity for deportation operations. With the administration pushing forward aggressively, all eyes are now on how DHS will execute the deal and how quickly the aircraft will enter service.