Noem Plans to Buy Spirit Airlines Planes Hit Snag: Airline Doesn’t Own Them and They’re Missing Engines
The recent plans by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to acquire Spirit Airlines jets have faced significant hurdles. The intended acquisition was for ten Boeing 737 planes aimed at increasing deportation flights. However, it was discovered that Spirit Airlines did not actually own the aircraft.
Noem’s Ambitious Plans Stalled
Noem, alongside adviser Corey Lewandowski, envisioned using these jets to support President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. This strategy intended to ramp up deportation efforts, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) projecting up to 600,000 deportations by year-end.
Challenges with Acquisition
- Ownership Issues: Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy twice, which complicated the ownership status of the aircraft.
- Engine Shortage: The planes lacked engines, requiring separate purchases to make them operational.
These complications have led to the suspension of the flight acquisition plan, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Some advisors raised concerns that the proposal would prove more costly than hiring additional flight contractors.
Federal Spending on Aircraft
During the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the DHS procured two Gulfstream jets for $200 million. This purchase has been criticized by Democratic representatives who highlighted the extravagant spending amid budget constraints.
- Cost of Gulfstream Jets: $200 million spent on two G700 luxury jets.
- Bipartisan Concern: Democrats pointed out the sole-source contract awarded to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation during a budgetary impasse.
The funding came from Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which allocated approximately $170 billion to the DHS for immigration-related expenditures. This financial backing was touted as enabling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to adopt more effective strategies for expediting removals of migrants.
Differences within Immigration Strategy
Noem’s strategies for deportation have reportedly clashed with those of Tom Homan, the border czar. Homan has preferred a more traditional approach, focusing on data-driven targeting of illegal immigrants. Discontent has allegedly arisen from senior immigration officials voicing disagreements over the efficiency of Noem and Lewandowski’s initiatives.
Recent discussions hinted at “growing friction” within the deportation efforts, with an emphasis on public safety and national security threats. Although Homan confirmed the aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, he preferred to remain vague about internal disagreements.
