DHS Jet Purchases Under Former Secretary Kristi Noem Spark Controversy

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acquired ten aircraft—three luxury business jets and seven Boeing 737 passenger planes—for a reported cost of $464 million. The no-bid contracts began in 2022 and were justified as an “urgent” need for a mass-deportation campaign. Documents show most of the fleet has remained idle in Lake Charles, Louisiana, or has been used to transport senior officials rather than for ICE deportation flights.

The Independent

In 2022, Congress approved supplemental funding for DHS, including billions through the “One Beautiful Bill Act.” Secretary Kristi Noem argued rapid procurement was needed to meet the administration’s goal of deporting up to one million people annually. ICE traditionally relies on chartered commercial aircraft and military assets; former ICE acting director John Sandweg said a dedicated fleet was not a top priority.

New Republic

• Total expenditure: $464 million for ten aircraft.

The Independent

• Luxury jets: Two Gulfstream G650s (?$200 million) and one Boeing 787-8 MAX outfitted with a bedroom, shower, kitchen, bar, and flat-screen TVs.

The Independent

• Passenger planes: Seven Boeing 737s, each seating up to 200 passengers; four earmarked for congressional delegations, three for ICE deportation flights.

The Independent

• Contract growth: The Daedalus Aviation contract increased by $303 million on the day Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as DHS secretary.

Daily Beast

DHS officials say the no-bid contract with Daedalus Aviation Corporation was approved before Secretary Mullin took office. One Gulfstream G650 was leased to FBI Director Kash Patel and another assigned to senior DHS officials.

The Independent

Senate Appropriations Committee members Patty Murray and Chris Murphy, writing on August 12, demanded a full accounting of the fleet, describing the situation as “gross misuse of taxpayer dollars.” They requested contract details, flight logs, and legal justifications, arguing the aircraft could be redirected to fund health care, rent, and groceries for Americans. Former DHS officials and industry experts have echoed these concerns, labeling the acquisitions wasteful and warning that ICE could use the planes for “lawless immigration enforcement.”

The Independent

• Usage claims: Senate Democrats allege most jets have shuttled officials, while DHS emphasizes that two Gulfstreams are leased to other agencies and two deportation flights are slated to begin later this month.

The Independent

• Contract timing: DHS says the Daedalus contract was finalized before Mullin’s tenure, yet records show a $303 million increase on the day he assumed office.

The Independent

• “We would be happy to work with you and our colleagues in Congress to return those dollars to the Treasury and put them to better use making sure Americans can afford health care, rent, and groceries,” — Senate Democrats

The Independent

• “A DHS spokesperson said: “ICE has contracts in place for ensuring it is capable of delivering on its mission to the President and the American people.” — DHS spokesperson

Daily Beast

The Senate Appropriations Committee has asked DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to provide detailed contract documentation and flight logs. The Office of the Inspector General is reviewing contracts signed under Noem and former adviser Corey Lewandowski, with reports indicating a potential criminal referral concerning Lewandowski’s involvement.

Daily Beast