Original Source
ICE Uses Charter and Commercial Flights for Migrant Transfers Amid Scrutiny
ICE's Air Transfer Methods for Migrants
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) primarily uses ICE Air flights to transfer migrants, including asylum seekers, across the United States. These charter flights are operated by private charter companies subcontracted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Different private companies are used depending on the day of the transfer. Critics point to a significant lack of transparency in this process, making it difficult for external parties to track or oversee these movements.
Commercial Flight Usage and Public Backlash
ICE also uses a small number of commercial flights daily to transfer migrants, purchasing tickets for them to fly alongside other passengers. This use of commercial flights may be an attempt to avoid scrutiny and mitigate public backlash that might arise from transferring migrant families, particularly those with young children. Public opposition has grown in some communities and at airports due to 'shocking scenes' of migrants being loaded onto flights in shackles. Human rights organizations are expressing concern over these 'unmonitored migrant transfer methods'.
*Source: YouTube: Associated Press (2026-03-26)*
