Gov. Maura Healey Slams Two Airlines Over ICE Collaboration, Demands End to Deportation Flights.
In a scathing letter to the executives of GlobalX Airlines and Eastern Air Express, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has called on the two private airlines to immediately end their collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over deportation flights. The move comes as Healey continues to crack down on ICE's increasingly aggressive tactics in the state.
The governor's letter, dated Thursday, highlights how these two charter airlines have been providing aircraft and personnel for ICE use at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts. This collaboration allows ICE to rapidly deport individuals without access to due process of law, separating them from their families, friends, and communities. Healey's criticism of the situation is echoed by her reference to a recent incident where an ICE officer was involved in the fatal shooting of a woman in Minnesota.
Healey stated that both airlines are profiting off these anti-American tactics by facilitating the obstruction of due process. She also emphasized the economic concern, noting that during a time when American taxpayers are facing denied hunger benefits, reduced healthcare access, and higher costs from tariffs, hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on private jets to disrupt people's lives.
Healey pointed out that despite their lucrative business, neither airline has responded to requests for comment on this issue. Her letter is also an economic argument against the partnerships, stating that taxpayer money should be prioritized over such costly and controversial practices.
Recent reports have shown a significant increase in ICE flights at Hanscom Field since 2024, with 114 flights taking place between January 1st and November 30th of last year. The rise in this number has raised concerns about the state's response to the crisis faced by detained residents, many of whom have no criminal convictions.
Avelo Airlines recently announced it would be ending its collaboration with ICE amid a company-wide downsizing. A CEO stated that this partnership puts them "in the center of political controversy."
In a scathing letter to the executives of GlobalX Airlines and Eastern Air Express, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has called on the two private airlines to immediately end their collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over deportation flights. The move comes as Healey continues to crack down on ICE's increasingly aggressive tactics in the state.
The governor's letter, dated Thursday, highlights how these two charter airlines have been providing aircraft and personnel for ICE use at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts. This collaboration allows ICE to rapidly deport individuals without access to due process of law, separating them from their families, friends, and communities. Healey's criticism of the situation is echoed by her reference to a recent incident where an ICE officer was involved in the fatal shooting of a woman in Minnesota.
Healey stated that both airlines are profiting off these anti-American tactics by facilitating the obstruction of due process. She also emphasized the economic concern, noting that during a time when American taxpayers are facing denied hunger benefits, reduced healthcare access, and higher costs from tariffs, hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on private jets to disrupt people's lives.
Healey pointed out that despite their lucrative business, neither airline has responded to requests for comment on this issue. Her letter is also an economic argument against the partnerships, stating that taxpayer money should be prioritized over such costly and controversial practices.
Recent reports have shown a significant increase in ICE flights at Hanscom Field since 2024, with 114 flights taking place between January 1st and November 30th of last year. The rise in this number has raised concerns about the state's response to the crisis faced by detained residents, many of whom have no criminal convictions.
Avelo Airlines recently announced it would be ending its collaboration with ICE amid a company-wide downsizing. A CEO stated that this partnership puts them "in the center of political controversy."
I'm not surprised at all, but still can't believe these airlines are profiting off this! I mean, who profits from sending ppl away without due process? 
The thing is, it's not just about the $$$, it's about human lives. These ppl are being torn apart from their families and friends... 
I'm all for economic arguments, but come on! Taxpayer money should be used to help ppl in need, not to facilitate deportations.
It's like they're just trying to avoid being part of the problem. We should be holding these companies accountable for their actions! 
But at the same time, I can see why she's all up in arms about it, it's pretty messed up what's happening with ICE. Like, shouldn't we be helping people instead of deporting them? 
. Like, hello, isn't human rights more important than some benjamins? And Governor Healey is totally right to call them out on this. I mean, can you imagine if a private company came into your neighborhood and started renting out space for immigration enforcement purposes without even consulting the local authorities? It's outrageous! 
. It's like they're trying to sweep this whole thing under the rug.
. This is some real-life drama, folks!
The airlines should at least give some explanation for why they're teaming up with an agency as toxic as ICE 
300 million bucks is a lot of cash, and I'm all for using public funds for good causes. It's time to rethink the whole system.
. What would happen if more airlines followed suit? Would we see a change in how ICE operates? Maybe, just maybe... 
. And let's not forget, our tax dollars are footing the bill for these private jets 
. It's disgusting that these two airlines are profiting off ICE's anti-American tactics and helping to tear families apart 
. I mean, can you imagine if your grandma was being deported without a fair trial? 
The thought alone is too much. And yeah, the money they're making from these flights is straight-up wrong 
. We need more people like Maura Healey who's willing to stand up for what's right 
.
. It's just not right, you know? I mean, who wants to fly away from their family and friends without even getting a chance to say goodbye? It's like they're treating people as numbers instead of human beings.
. I mean, think about it, these flights are costing hundreds of millions of dollars, and meanwhile American taxpayers are struggling with basic stuff like food and healthcare. It's just not right that rich companies get to profit off this nonsense while the rest of us are left to pick up the tab. And what's worse is they're flying around in style, enjoying those private jets, while people's lives are being disrupted. The governor is totally on point here