Now the Houston-based carrier Avelo Airlines is under increased scrutiny. This follows closely after the airline publicly reaffirmed its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate deportation flights. This unprecedented deal, negotiated by third-party contractor CSI Aviation, has sparked protests at numerous airports. The public outcry has even led to calls for a national boycott.
In mid-May 2024, this airline began flying deportees on ICE’s deportation flights. This change only followed a radical update to its contract with ICE on March 25. The amended agreement increased the original $165 million deal with an additional $33.7 million. CSI Aviation, which secured $262.9 million in federal contracts for the 2025 fiscal year, plays a pivotal role in facilitating these operations. Avelo’s current fleet includes 20 aircraft, and the airline has built a noteworthy hub in New Haven, Connecticut.
Widespread public outrage has ensued ever since these flights were initiated. Actions and demonstrations occurred at airports in Bob Hope/Burbank, California, Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona, and New Haven, Connecticut. Activists like you are continuing to raise your voices. To do so, they launched a Change.org petition — since signed by more than 38,000 people — calling for a boycott of Avelo.
Protests and Legal Actions
As protests erupted in state after state, including North Carolina, people like Seth Miller voicing their passionate opposition helped put a stop to Avelo’s predatory behavior. Miller has since sued the airline, alleging violations of the First Amendment. He contends that there are serious moral implications at stake with an airline’s complicity in deportation flights.
“I don’t like that this is happening, and I think other people should not fly Avelo as long as they are running these deportation flights.” – Seth Miller
Miller highlighted concerns about due process for deportees, stating that “in the past, the deportees were afforded due process.” During the event, he condemned the current regime of deportation as an outright departure from earlier practices.
“These are, to me, not the same deportations as in the past, and any company signing on in April 2025 to operate those flights knows that.” – Seth Miller
The backlash has not just been loud, it’s been dangerous. Billboards opposing Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights have gone up around the country, including activists encouraging prospective travelers to think twice about their decisions. According to Firefly, Avelo further bullied Lamar Advertising into taking down these ads by claiming, without evidence, that they infringed upon Avelo’s copyrights.
Corporate Justifications and Financial Strategies
Avelo Airlines’ CEO Andrew Levy made his own revelation about the validity of the contract with ICE in a statement, as the controversy unfolded. He recognized that the topic was sensitive, but maintained that the decision came only after thoughtful deliberation.
“We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined that charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come.” – Andrew Levy
In June 2023, despite the backlash, Avelo was able to announce its first profitable quarter since starting up at the very beginning of 2024. Avelo, meanwhile, is on a mission to grow up and settle down. To do this, they’ve reportedly hired Jefferies Financial Group to help them raise more capital ahead of a new round of investment.
Industry observers note that Avelo’s decision to partner with ICE reflects a broader trend among airlines weighing reputational risks against financial stability.
“From a reputational perspective, someone in a boardroom somewhere made the decision that the hit to reputation wasn’t as important as staying alive.” – Hannah Mooney Mack
Reactions from Officials and Community Leaders
Elected officials have criticized Avelo’s moves, condemning the company’s partnership with ICE. The office of Senator Alex Padilla criticized Avelo’s decision to engage in deportation flights amid a climate of heightened scrutiny on immigration enforcement practices.
“Given the Trump Administration’s mission to indiscriminately deport our nation’s immigrants – without due process, in violation of the Constitution and federal immigration law, and, in some cases, in defiance of court orders – it is deeply disturbing that Avelo has determined that its partnership with ICE is ‘too valuable not to pursue.’” – Padilla’s office
Local community leaders activists have worked consistently over the past year to shine a spotlight on the impacts of deportation flights. They assert that by propping up airlines that participate in these practices, the government is helping a system that enforces a toxic immigration regime.
“Does your vacation support their deportation? Just say AvelNO!” – Activist slogan on billboards
