Key Takeaways
• Avelo Airlines will operate ICE deportation flights from May 12, 2025, using three Boeing 737-800 jets.
• Over 30,000 people have signed a petition to boycott Avelo due to its contract for deportation flights.
• Connecticut politicians threaten to restrict Avelo’s future contracts in response to public outrage and protests.
Avelo Airlines, a budget carrier that started operations in recent years, is at the heart of a growing storm. Since the announcement of a federal contract to operate deportation flights for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) starting May 2025, the airline has found itself facing boycotts, protests, and public outrage. This reaction is strongest in Delaware, Connecticut, and among travelers who once supported the airline. The controversy puts Avelo Airlines, ICE, and the issue of deportation flights under a public spotlight. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the fallout has far-reaching effects not only on the airline but also on state and local governments, immigrant communities, and ordinary travelers.
A new direction for Avelo Airlines
The focus of the current backlash lies in Avelo Airlines’ decision to work under a charter program with the federal government. Under this contract, Avelo Airlines will operate three Boeing 737-800 jets from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, starting on May 12, 2025. The arrangement will see the airline transport people deported by ICE, both across the United States and to other countries. CEO Andrew Levy acknowledges the move is sensitive and complicated, but explains that the deal is important for the financial stability of Avelo Airlines. He said that with low-cost travel demand slowing down, this contract would help provide steady income and protect airline jobs.
But the reaction from the public has not been supportive. Instead, many see the airline’s new direction as crossing a line. For some, working with ICE—a federal agency responsible for carrying out deportation orders—means taking sides on a deeply personal and controversial issue: the removal of people from the United States, sometimes under circumstances that are seen as unfair or harsh.
Boycott campaigns and mounting public pressure
Almost as soon as the news broke, opposition to Avelo Airlines’ agreement with ICE began to build. Notably, more than 30,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling on the public to boycott the airline until it cancels its participation in these deportation flights. The petition is backed by immigrant advocacy groups, including the New Haven Immigrants Coalition, and began garnering support near Tweed New Haven Airport—one of Avelo’s main East Coast hubs.
Social media is playing a big role in this movement. Hashtags such as #BoycottAveloAirlines have been trending, with customers publicly promising to stop flying with the airline, even if it means less convenience or higher prices. These online campaigns reflect a wider feeling of anger and a determination to hold companies accountable for their choices—especially when those choices are linked to the treatment of immigrants.
Protests moving from online to on-site
For many, taking a stand against Avelo Airlines means more than signing a petition or posting online. After the ICE contract was announced, protesters gathered in person at Tweed New Haven Airport. Those in the crowd included local residents, advocates from organizations like Unidad Latina en Acción, and several political leaders. Demonstrators made it clear that they believed the airline’s involvement with deportation flights was wrong, expressing concerns over the ethics and human impact of such flights.
Many frequent flyers who once enjoyed the airline’s affordable service now say they will look for alternative airlines due to these ethical worries. Some told reporters that their positive experiences with Avelo Airlines are now overshadowed by concerns that the company is choosing profit over compassion, given the visible link to forced removals of people from the United States.
Voices from the protests
One recurring theme among those who oppose the deportation flights is the belief that Avelo Airlines is putting its financial health ahead of basic human rights. Protesters argue that the process for removing people from the United States is not always fair. This includes fears that people may be deported without enough time to defend themselves in court, and that the conditions during transit may not be safe or humane.
John Lugo, Executive Director of Unidad Latina en Acción, put it simply: “These cruel policies go against everything we stand for… [They] transport vulnerable people… under inhumane, dangerous conditions out of the country, often without due process.” For Lugo and many who support his work, the very idea of carrying out deportations in this manner is unacceptable, especially when commercial airlines are involved.
Specific concerns mentioned by protesters and advocacy groups include stories of people who were reportedly deported even though they had legal permission to work in the United States, or while they still had pending legal cases. Many point to these incidents as examples of why greater transparency and better legal protections are needed for those facing deportation.
Scaling up: The size and impact of Avelo’s contract
To understand why this contract is causing so much concern, it helps to look at the scale of the operation. While Avelo Airlines has always run charter services—including flights for sports teams and political campaigns—the size and publicity surrounding this contract are far greater. Under previous administrations, some similar charter flights were carried out quietly. Today, though, there are more people watching and more scrutiny over how deportation flights happen, especially when commercial airlines like Avelo are involved.
This deal with ICE means Avelo Airlines has agreed to play a major role in moving people not just within the country, but also sending them abroad. For those being removed, this often marks a dramatic and sometimes dangerous turning point in their lives, especially if they are sent back to countries where safety or support cannot be guaranteed. The use of large commercial planes gives the entire process more visibility, making it harder for the public to ignore or dismiss the reality of mass deportations.
Political fallout in Connecticut and beyond
The controversy around Avelo Airlines and its connection to deportation flights has not gone unnoticed by politicians—particularly in Connecticut, where one of the airline’s main hubs is located. The response from public officials has been swift and often strong.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong sharply criticized the decision in a letter to Avelo Airlines. Tong said the airline should not profit from what he called “atrocities” and insisted on guarantees for humane treatment during deportation flights. In particular, he called for bans on unsafe physical restraints, asking the company to prove that it would not tolerate inhumane conditions on board.
At the city level, almost all New Haven city alders joined together to condemn the actions of the airline. In an open letter, they argued that contracts like these go against local values and urged an immediate end to all ties with ICE. At the state level, Connecticut lawmakers are considering new legislation that could punish companies working with federal immigration authorities. This may include banning such companies from getting future state contracts or subsidies, directly targeting relationships like those between Avelo Airlines and state-run airports, including Hartford-Bradley International Airport and Tweed New Haven.
The possible passage of these laws points to a key issue: Should private companies be allowed, or even encouraged, to play a role in immigration enforcement? For some, this is a question with big legal and ethical implications. It could lead to a push for more local and state-level resistance to federal immigration policies that are seen as unjust.
What critics say about ICE’s use of commercial airlines
While Avelo Airlines is facing direct criticism for its involvement, much of the anger is also aimed at ICE and the broader system of deportation flights. Opponents argue that these flights often ignore important legal protections that should be in place for people facing removal from the United States. There are worries that detention and transit conditions are unsafe or harsh, and that the legal rights of deportees are often overlooked.
Some advocacy groups share stories of people who were removed from the country despite having legal permission to work, or even when under formal court-ordered protection. These cases add weight to calls for more oversight, particularly when commercial airlines are used in deportation operations. The fear is that by participating in these programs, airlines like Avelo are giving a sense of normalcy—and even approval—to government practices that may be hurting vulnerable people.
Historical context of chartered deportation flights
The use of commercial airlines to complete removals from the United States is not new. Over many years and under different presidential administrations, the federal government has chartered planes for these missions. In some cases, smaller airlines or private charter companies have quietly provided these services out of the public eye. However, the recent focus on companies like Avelo Airlines highlights a big change: greater public attention, faster information sharing through social media, and a stronger readiness by advocacy groups and local officials to hold businesses accountable.
What’s different now is not just the scale of these flights, but also the way they’re talked about. People today are more connected and aware of the actions taken by organizations they deal with—including companies they choose to fly with, shop from, or support. The outcry aimed at Avelo Airlines indicates that, for many, this is not just another business deal. Instead, it’s seen as something that touches on core questions of fairness, compassion, and the treatment of immigrants.
The impact of protests and petitions
Already, the effect of public pressure is easy to see. The more than 30,000 signatures on the boycott petition show that this issue matters to many people. Thanks to social media, stories and updates travel quickly, bringing together those who share the same concerns, both locally and across the country. As a result, Avelo Airlines now faces the risk of losing customers who otherwise might have chosen the airline for its low prices and convenient routes.
This backlash also sends a message to other companies that may be considering similar agreements with ICE or other federal agencies. It suggests that working with the government on controversial policies can carry real costs—not just in lost business, but in reputation and public trust.
Potential next steps for Avelo Airlines and its opponents
Looking ahead, there are several possible paths for Avelo Airlines, ICE, and their critics.
- For Avelo Airlines: The company could stick to the contract, arguing that stability and jobs are more important during tough economic times. Alternatively, the airline could look for ways to address public concerns, perhaps by setting strict standards for how deportees are treated, or by looking for more transparency about the process. In some cases, companies under this kind of pressure have even chosen to walk away from controversial contracts.
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For protesters and advocacy groups: Continued pressure, both in person and online, is likely. They may seek the support of lawmakers in Delaware, Connecticut, and other states, especially if more airports or airlines sign on to similar agreements. The attention around Avelo Airlines may also make it easier for activists to draw attention to broader concerns about the use of commercial airlines in ICE operations.
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For public officials: Lawmakers in Connecticut and other states may move forward with new laws to limit or ban business with companies that help carry out deportation flights. If these efforts succeed, they could set an example for other states, leading to a patchwork of policies depending on location.
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For travelers: Passengers who object to these deportation flights may choose to fly with other airlines. Others, however, may make decisions based more on price or schedule. The outcome may depend on how much impact advocacy efforts have, both locally and nationally.
Rules and resources for deportation and removal flights
Many people are not aware of the official process for deportations or the role played by agencies like ICE. Those interested in learning more about how deportation works, the rights of individuals facing removal, or related policies and procedures can get information directly from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Summary: What this situation means for the future
The controversy around Avelo Airlines, ICE, and deportation flights shows how closely linked business decisions can become to larger political and ethical debates. For many Americans, questions about immigration policy, deportations, and the treatment of immigrants are not just theoretical. They are issues that affect real people and their communities every day.
The response to Avelo Airlines’ new contract suggests that customers, advocates, and even public officials see the boundaries between corporate choices and social responsibility as very real—and very important. While the story is still unfolding, it is clear that any company considering a role in ICE operations or deportation flights must be ready to face not only the legal and financial aspects but also the court of public opinion. This case may serve as a turning point in the way airlines, governments, and the public discuss and shape immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Deportation Flights → Flights operated to forcibly remove individuals from the U.S. to their countries of origin, managed by federal authorities like ICE.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → A U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including detaining and deporting individuals ordered removed.
Charter Program → An arrangement where an airline operates flights on-demand for specific clients, often outside regular commercial schedules.
Boeing 737-800 → A widely used commercial aircraft model that Avelo Airlines will employ for the contracted deportation flights.
Boycott → A coordinated refusal to use or purchase from a business, often as protest against its practices or decisions.
This Article in a Nutshell
Avelo Airlines faces intense backlash after agreeing to run deportation flights for ICE, igniting protests, political threats, and public boycotts. The move, starting May 2025, jeopardizes its reputation and partnerships. As the controversy grows, it challenges the airline’s financial strategies, ethical responsibilities, and future business with state governments.
— By VisaVerge.com
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