Homeland Security Pursues $70 Million Luxury Jet Purchase for Deportation Missions
In a move that has sparked controversy and scrutiny, the Department of Homeland Security is seeking approval from the White House's Office of Management and Budget to purchase a luxury Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft for $70 million. According to a report published by NBC News on Thursday, two DHS officials disclosed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently leased the jet and now aims to buy it outright.
Lavish Amenities and Design Details
The aircraft in question is outfitted with high-end features that include a bedroom equipped with a queen-size bed, multiple showers, a fully functional kitchen, four flat-screen televisions, and a bar area. A brochure obtained by NBC highlights that the interior design was crafted by renowned New York designer Peter Marino, emphasizing that "no expense has been spared and every detail has been meticulously executed." Marketing materials indicate the jet can accommodate up to 18 passengers and sleep 14 individuals, though deportation flights typically involve 50 to 100 detainees along with medical and security personnel.
Justification and Cost-Saving Claims
ICE officials argue that the jet is necessary for Cabinet-level travel and will also be utilized for deporting migrants. A DHS spokesperson explained to NBC that at least one bedroom is being converted into seating to meet the demands of deportation missions. In a statement to HuffPost, the department defended the purchase, asserting that it will result in significant taxpayer savings. "This plane flies at 40% cheaper than what the military aircraft flies for ICE deportation flights — saving the American taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars," the spokesperson said. They added that this investment is part of Secretary Kristi Noem's broader efforts to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce costs.
Scrutiny of Secretary Noem's Travel Preferences
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has been nicknamed "Cosplay Kristi" and "ICE Barbie" by critics for her opulent style and fashion choices, faces renewed examination over her travel expenditures. This is not the first instance of such scrutiny; during last year's government shutdown, the Trump administration acquired two Gulfstream G700 jets for $172 million for Noem and other senior leaders. Additionally, an Associated Press analysis revealed that while serving as governor of South Dakota, Noem spent over $150,000 on flights to campaign for President Donald Trump, with state taxpayers covering the bill.
Doubts and Political Implications
Despite the cost-saving rationale, one DHS official told NBC that using this luxury jet for deportations is "far-fetched," given its limited capacity compared to typical deportation flights. Nevertheless, the Office of Management and Budget appears poised to approve the purchase. The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of political tension, with Noem's travel habits, including recent reports of her using a luxury 737 MAX jet with a private cabin alongside aide Corey Lewandowski, drawing further public and media attention. As debates over government spending and immigration policy intensify, this proposed acquisition highlights ongoing concerns about fiscal responsibility and operational practicality within federal agencies.
