Avelo Airlines deportation flight deal with Department of Homeland Security leads to boycott petition
Deportation flights by Avelo Airlines prompts petition
Over 31,000 people signed a petition after learning of an agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and Avelo Airlines to begin deportation flights. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has the story.
MESA, Ariz. - Avelo Airlines is teaming up with the Trump administration to deport migrants out of the country.
The flights haven't even started yet, but the plan is already getting pushback through a petition that has gathered thousands of signatures.
The backstory:
Supporters of Trump say the deportations are an example of the president making good on a campaign promise, while others say this decision makes them never want to fly with Avelo Airlines again.
More than 31,000 people have signed the petition on Change.org to boycott the airlines if they carry out the deportation flights.
Some, sharing video messages on the website.
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Avelo Airlines to fly deportation flights out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Avelo Airlines will provide three 737-800s based out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for deportation flights that will begin on May 12, the company said in a statement.
What they're saying:
"We need help. We need to be their voice."
"This is horrible. We didn't ask for this but people have a right to due process and their due process rights are being stomped on."
"I'll go further than signing this petition about these illegal and un-American deportations. If Avelo Airlines engages in deportation flights, I promise to never use Avelo or any of the board members' products ever again."
"I can't even speak about this without getting upset but I will just tell you it's crimes against humanity."
Big picture view:
Those are the messages being sent by the 31,000-plus people who signed the online petition.
They are pledging to boycott the airline as plans are being made to fly planes full of migrants out of Mesa-Gateway Airport beginning May 12.
One woman, a frequent flier on Avelo, says she is seeking another airline for an upcoming trip.
"I will not be booking on Avelo, unfortunately. It's convenient and it's been a great experience for me so far but I can't support these ICE flights."
Local perspective:
At Mesa-Gateway Airport, an area near the airtanker base is marked as the future spot for these flights.
Dig deeper:
These plans are part of the immigration policies President Trump campaigned on and continues to enforce from the White House.
"As President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem have both said, if you register and you leave now, you choose to self-deport, you may have the opportunity to return later legally. But if not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a recent briefing.
The other side:
Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy sent FOX 10 a statement sharing how the charter flights will help the company grow:
Those against the move say the airline is putting profit over people.
"Deporting people who have not been duly processed. That's what you'll be remembered for. Shame on you," said one video message.
What's next:
Avelo Airlines has job applications on its website for roles like flight attendant for these specific flights.
Among the responsibilities for flight attendants is a line on ensuring the safety, security, welfare and comfort of all customers.