Democrats Accuse ICE of Operating “Ghost Flights”

Democrats question ICE deportation flights

Lawmakers demand immigration transparency

Concerns raised over mass deportations

A group of 40 Democratic representatives expressed “serious concerns” regarding deportation flights operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The lawmakers sent a letter to Bryan Bedford, head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), demanding increased transparency and oversight.

The document questions aerial operations managed by ICE Air Operations (IAO), the division responsible for deportation flights under the administration of President Donald Trump.

The members of Congress alleged mistreatment and inhumane conditions aboard charter aircraft used to deport immigrants from the country.

ICE deportation flights face growing scrutiny

“Secret ICE flights: Democrats express deep concern over this ICE tactic and criticize an ‘industrialized and large-scale’ policy.” https://t.co/ReNAinln3d

— N+ UNIVISION (@nmasunivision) May 12, 2026

The letter also requests safeguards to ensure due process protections during the mass deportations promoted by the Trump administration.

In 2025, ICE deported between 600,000 and 700,000 undocumented immigrants.

That figure remained below the one million deportations Trump promised during his 2024 presidential campaign.

However, border czar Tom Homan stated in January during an interview with N+ Univision that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to deport one million foreign criminals in 2026.

Homan later repeated that goal during public interviews and border security events.

Democrats condemn “zero tolerance” immigration policies

In the letter, lawmakers stated that they “strongly oppose” immigration practices that separate families and weaken due process protections.

They also accused ICE of avoiding oversight and accountability regarding its air operations.

“As members of Congress, it is our duty to exercise oversight over these operations,” the lawmakers wrote.

They also reminded the FAA that it holds responsibility for aviation safety and air operations throughout the United States.

For that reason, they requested cooperation with Congress to guarantee “safety and human dignity” during ICE deportation flights.

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Democrats claimed that since January 2025 they have observed a dramatic increase in ICE-operated flights.

According to the letter, deportation flights increased by 84% between January 20 and December 31, 2025, compared with the same period in 2024.

The increase was reportedly driven by expanded use of charter aircraft contracted by ICE.

The companies mentioned include: GlobalX, Eastern Air Express, Avelo Airlines, World Atlantic Airlines, OMNI Air International, KaiserAir, and Key Lime Air.

Jasmine Crockett argued that immigration agencies “should not be allowed to operate in the shadows.”

Crockett noted that she introduced the TRACK ICE Act to improve transparency surrounding the so-called “ghost flights.”

Lawmakers accuse ICE of “industrialized deportations”

The representatives also denounced what they described as a shift toward “industrialized, large-scale deportation.”

According to the document, removals are being carried out through a network of private contractors.

Lawmakers warned that this system makes accountability more difficult and limits congressional oversight.

They also stated that information regarding these ghost flights is “almost impossible to obtain.”

The letter notes that the 2024 IAO Manual authorizes the use of handcuffs, waist chains, and leg shackles during transfers.

Additionally, the protocols allow for the use of spit masks, immobilization devices, and the WRAP restraint device.

The representatives emphasized that undocumented presence in the United States is a civil violation, not a criminal offense.

They cited independent reports from Cato Institute, TRAC Immigration and Brennan Center for Justice.

According to those studies, more than 73% of deported individuals faced only immigration-related violations tied to unlawful presence.

FAA given deadline to respond

Lawmakers established June 1 as the deadline for the FAA to deliver detailed written responses.

They requested a complete report of all ICE air operations conducted since January 20, 2025.

They also asked for information regarding charter flights and operations entering or leaving U.S. airspace.

Another demand involves details about ICE’s use of the Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (LADD) program to conceal deportation flight information.

Lawmakers additionally want to know what other mechanisms ICE uses to increase secrecy surrounding these ghost flights.

The letter also demands ICE a specific report on humanitarian conditions aboard deportation flights.

Among the questions directed to the FAA are evaluations of physical barriers inside aircraft and emergency evacuation procedures.

The lawmakers also requested information regarding crew and ICE officer emergency training protocols.

Finally, they reminded the FAA of its obligation to guarantee transparency, safety, and accountability within these air operations.