Protests Erupt Against Avelo Airlines' ICE Deportation Flights Across U.S.

Protests have erupted at multiple airports across the U.S. in response to Avelo Airlines' agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to operate deportation flights, including charter flights transporting immigrants to Central America. Demonstrations organized by groups such as Indivisible Sonoma County and Indivisible Flagler have drawn dozens to over a hundred protesters in locations like Sonoma County, California and Daytona Beach, Florida, with activists urging a boycott of Avelo and criticizing the airline for prioritizing profits over human rights. Protesters voiced concerns about the lack of due process for deported individuals and likened some deportations to 'kidnappings,' citing recent high-profile cases such as Kilmar Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation to El Salvador. Avelo's CEO stated the decision was driven by financial needs to ensure the airline's stability and continued employment for its staff. The controversy has also prompted condemnation from local officials and heightened calls for greater oversight of immigration enforcement practices. The protests reflect broader national tensions over immigration policy and corporate involvement in federal deportation operations.