Full Breakdown
ICE Deportation Flights Shift from Dallas Love Field to Fort Worth Alliance Airport
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In early October, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped using charter and commercial flights that departed from Dallas Love Field to transport undocumented migrants. The agency confirmed that those operations have been relocated to Perot Fort Worth Alliance Airport. ICE indicated the move is “for now” and that detainee-transfer flights could still occur on an as-needed basis, but no reason for the shift was provided.
Data & Statistics
- Activists with No Love for ICE Air reported monitoring 215 ICE flights in 2026.
- Across 46 flights, they observed 2,606 people being moved between U.S. detention facilities.
- An additional 12 flights carried 1,166 people deported to Mexico.
These figures come from footage and logs collected by the activist group since March.
Official Statements & Responses
- Lauren Rounds, spokesperson for Dallas Love Field, said Signature Aviation told the city the flights would end on October 1 and that no other operator has reported handling ICE-related flights at the airport.
- ICE echoed the city’s message, confirming the charter flights have ceased at Love Field and have been transferred to Fort Worth, while noting that other detainee-transfer flights may continue “as-needed.”
- Sana Syed, spokesperson for the City of Fort Worth, clarified that the airport supports a range of aviation activities, including federal government operations, and that such federal use does not require city permission.
- John Putnam, a flight-tracker for the activist group, described the relocation as a “permanent operational change.”
Criticism & Opposition
Activists argue that the Love Field operations resembled “modern-day slave ships,” pointing to videos of individuals shackled at the wrists, waist and ankles while being loaded onto aircraft. They contend that the visibility of these flights was essential for public scrutiny and plan to continue monitoring ICE activity at the Fort Worth facility. The group emphasized readiness to partner with local organizers to draw attention to any future ICE operations at the new site.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It feels like a modern-day slave ship when you see somebody with their wrists, waist, and ankles, shackled,” — John Putnam
- “We believe this is a permanent operational change,” — John Putnam
- “We are ready in close partnership with Tarrant County organizers who are ready and prepped to bring the same public attention to whatever ICE does in Fort Worth,” — Lanie Olmo, an activist with No Love for ICE Air