The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly considering the purchase of a $70 million Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft for deportation flights and to transport senior Trump administration officials. The plane, currently leased by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), features a luxurious interior including a bedroom with a queen bed, showers, a kitchen, four large flat-screen TVs, and a bar, according to images obtained by NBC News.
Some DHS officials have privately questioned the necessity of the purchase, with one anonymous official describing the plan to use the aircraft alternately for deportations and senior government travel as 'far-fetched'. ICE deportation flights typically carry over 100 shackled detainees, guards, medical staff, and flight crews, while the Boeing plane has a maximum capacity of 18 passengers and can sleep 14.
A DHS spokesperson stated that at least one bedroom is being converted for seating to meet deportation mission demands, pending approval of ICE's funding request by the Office of Management and Budget. The spokesperson claimed the new plane would serve dual missions, flying at 40% cheaper than military aircraft used for ICE deportation flights, and that the purchase is part of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's efforts to save taxpayer dollars.
Noem has faced previous criticism for spending $200 million on two private Gulfstream jets for herself and Deputy DHS Secretary Troy Edgar during a government shutdown, leading to censure by House Democrats in October.
