Avelo Airlines Faces Protests Over ICE Repatriation Flights

Several local campaign groups, such as the Immigrant Allies Forum, Indivisible Wilmington, and the Wilmington Branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, assembled along the passage to Wrightsville Beach. Their message to holidaymakers was to ‘fly with conscience’. A central facilitator of the demonstration disclosed that they selected the site to familiarize as many commuters as they could about the alliance formed early this year between Avelo and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to implement repatriation flights.

According to the protestors, county funding was issued to Avelo for marketing purposes, promoting Wilmington and other sites to encourage tourism. The demonstrators aim to ensure travelers are conscious of their choices, understanding that even though the fare might be economical, it could have serious implications concerning human rights. Avelo Airlines, a cost-effective carrier, provides services across 23 states.

In April, Avelo established a new base of operations in Wilmington. Ever since this arrangement came into being, there have been several demonstrations throughout Wilmington. The first demonstration against Avelo was organized directly outside the airport in May. However, the protest that took place this week signifies the launch of the unified national movement aimed at applying ‘financial pressure’ on Avelo following their deal.

The campaign has now gained national traction, prompting participation in coast-to-coast protests. This is unfolding nationwide, especially in cities where Avelo has a significant footprint. A protestor emphasized that Avelo Airlines, a commercial airline, is the only carrier of its kind to have struck a contract with ICE about deportation flights.

It was explained that Avelo is undertaking these repatriation flights from Arizona to El Salvador. Protestors are thus urging individuals to avoid using the carrier. While opinion on the subject of immigration remains divided, and altering such perceptions isn’t straightforward, local and national advocates wish to persuade commuters to at least change their airline of choice.

Early signs of successful campaigns are already evident. One protestor mentioned ‘a few weeks ago, Avelo had to cancel several flights and reduce its presence, albeit not in Wilmington, still in different parts of the country.’ The aspiration is that the local initiatives will trigger significant alterations.

Avelo, meanwhile, justifies its decision to engage with ICE, citing financial stability as the primary motive. A person from the guiding committee of one of the protest groups submitted a public information request to the New Hanover County Airport Authority. After waiting for several months, a response from the Deputy Airport Director stated that the Airport Authority did not provide any financial backing to Avelo or approve amendments to the airline’s budget.

The Deputy Director provided a copy of Avelo’s leasing contract, stating that it is ‘a universal agreement across all airlines in operation at ILM,’ and shared an overview of the incentive program offered to all carriers. However, it was later verified, after thorough email correspondence, that local advertising money has been spent to promote Avelo flights and ILM Airport since Avelo began its operations.

Ever since it commenced operations, Avelo has contributed significantly to the local economy. Yet, a protestor questioned the validity of these claims by stating, ‘[It’s] hard to reconcile with statistics, which show tourism spending in New Hanover County totaled $1.1 billion in 2023. The county’s entire yearly GDP was less than $20 billion in the latest fiscal year. It’s difficult to attribute so much of our economic growth to Avelo.’

He further added, ‘This small detail doesn’t address the real ethical problem. Are we going to ignore Avelo’s involvement in questionable and potentially cruel deportation flights purely because we benefit from their other activities? What price are we willing to pay regarding our morality if we continue to condone these deportation flights?’

This string of protests brings to light the ethical dilemma faced by consumers in choosing their flight carriers. While low fares might be attractive, the deeper implications of choosing such service providers can impact human rights.

The campaign initiated by the local advocacy groups in Wilmington has not only raised these vital questions but also underscored the influence consumers can wield over corporations. Aware that their patronage is directly linked to a company’s survival, they are calling for a more responsible and conscientious choice of flight carriers.

The national campaign launched to exert commercial pressure on Avelo is indicative of a larger public sentiment against corporations engaged in practices perceived as inhumane. With collective protests happening across various locations, the pressure continues to mount on Avelo.

Although Avelo Airlines has cited financial stability as its reason for working with ICE, citizens and advocacy groups continue to question this justification, inspecting the role of profitability over ethics in business decisions.

The situation also raises questions about local authorities’ responsibilities and involvement in assessing and approving deals like the one between Avelo and ICE, reflecting the need for greater transparency and accountability in such procedures.

Whether these efforts will lead to a significant shift in both Avelo’s policies and public choice of airline remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the debate around balancing economic profit with ethical considerations continues to be paramount in current public discourse.