Overview

• NBC News reports, citing two sources, that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wants ICE to use new funds to purchase, own and operate deportation aircraft instead of relying on charters.
• ICE has typically chartered 8 to 14 planes, supporting roughly 15,000 removals per month; a former ICE chief of staff estimates a fleet of about 30 jets could raise capacity to 30,000 to 35,000 monthly.
• Commercial airliners are estimated at $80 million to $400 million each, suggesting $2.4 billion to $12 billion for 30 aircraft, with added costs for pilots, medics, security, maintenance and FAA compliance.
• Charter flights currently cost about $25,000 per hour and cover aircraft, crews, security and on-site medical personnel, according to a former senior ICE official.
• The push aligns with the administration’s goal of 1 million deportations per year and expanded detention funding in the same law, while DHS declined to confirm the report and ICE did not comment.