Albany County Protesters Urge Termination of Avelo Airlines Contract

Recent protests in Albany County have drawn attention to Avelo Airlines and its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Activists are calling for the termination of this contract, citing concerns over human rights and dignity.

Protest Highlights and Organization

Organized by Indivisible Albany, the movement has seen participants demonstrating against Avelo Airlines’ collaboration with ICE. Marianna Achlaoug, one of the organizers, expressed the group’s main focus: “They are choosing bottom line over human dignity.”

Symbolism and Concerns

Protesters, some wearing chains to represent the plight of detained passengers, demand that Avelo Airlines cease all flights to and from Albany County. Achlaoug questioned the cost implications for taxpayers versus the value of human dignity: “What cost is it to your taxpayers compared to human dignity?”

• Avelo Airlines has been accused of prioritizing profit over principles.
• The protesters have made their stance clear: end Avelo’s ICE flights.

Statements from Key Figures

Richard McGrath, another participant from Indivisible, insisted on the importance of fair treatment under U.S. law. “Our country is supposed to uphold the rule of law and fair treatment for all,” he stated.

State Senator Pat Fahy previously highlighted that Avelo’s ICE flights mainly originated from Texas and Arizona. Recently, Avelo has reduced its operations and no longer stops in Arizona, focusing primarily on the eastern United States.

Avelo Airlines’ Response

Avelo Airlines has previously acknowledged the right to protest but remains committed to maintaining its operations. Despite this, Achlaoug noted the airline’s recent reduction of services from the West Coast, suggesting a growing unpopularity of Avelo’s business practices.

“We have been doing this for seven months. We are not going anywhere,” Achlaoug asserted, emphasizing the group’s ongoing commitment to their cause.

Current Operations

At the moment, Avelo Airlines operates flights from Albany International Airport to two destinations:

• Charlotte, NC
• Raleigh, NC

These flights are scheduled two to four times a week, as protests continue urging for an end to their ICE-related contract.