The Department of Homeland Security will operate its own Boeing 737 aircraft to expand removals under President Trump’s immigration agenda.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a nearly $140 million contract to acquire six Boeing 737 jets for deportation flights, moving away from its prior dependence on private charter services, according to The Washington Post.
The aircraft purchase follows congressional approval of a major funding boost for President Donald Trump’s border and immigration initiative. Congress authorized $170 billion over four years for immigration and border operations as part of the GOP tax package, with a portion allocated for ICE Air Operations.
Two officials familiar with the deal told the Post that Immigration and Customs Enforcement may expand its use of the new planes beyond deportations. DHS officials said the move will improve efficiency and lower long-term costs by giving ICE more flexibility to plan flight routes.
“The agency is delivering on what voters demanded—large-scale removals of criminal illegal aliens,” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said.
Border czar Tom Homan reported that the administration has completed more than 579,000 removals so far, with DHS data showing nearly 66,000 immigrants currently in federal detention. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said she wants ICE to have dedicated aircraft for removals, calling it a key operational upgrade.
The new aircraft are being purchased from Daedalus Aviation, a company formed in February 2024. Corporate filings reviewed by the Post list William Allen Walters III as president and Taundria Cappel as treasurer and chief financial officer. Daedalus advertises itself as a provider of tailored aviation and charter services.
Both executives also hold leadership roles at Salus Worldwide Solutions, a firm that separately received a DHS contract worth nearly $1 billion to support voluntary self-deportation programs. That award is currently under litigation, with plaintiffs alleging it was awarded through an unlawful, noncompetitive process.
Walters declined comment on the 737 contract, and his attorney did not respond to media inquiries.
Human Rights First reports that ICE conducted 1,701 deportation flights to 77 countries between Jan. 20 and Oct. 31, primarily operated by ICE Air Operations. The agency’s latest update states that “removing non-U.S. citizens who are in the country illegally is a core responsibility of ICE in support of the agency’s mission.”
The decision to build a government-owned deportation fleet signals an operational shift that could outlast the Trump administration, as ICE Air has historically relied on private charters for removals.
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