Protests Spotlight Avelo Airlines’ Contract with ICE and Human Rights Concerns

Groups advocating for immigrants and human rights, such as the Immigrant Allies Initiative, Indivisible Wilmington, and the Democratic Socialists of Wilmington, staged protests along the way to Wrightsville Beach, with a call to action: ‘Travel with Integrity.’ One of the event leaders revealed the selection of the location was deliberate to maximize outreach to travellers about Avelo’s collaboration begun earlier in the year with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for executing removal flights.

“We are aware that Avelo Airlines has received county funding for promoting trips to Wilmington and other points of interest to boost tourism. We are urging people to remain conscious of their travel decisions, reminding them that irrespective of the lure of a cheap fare, it could associate with a steep price tag in terms of human rights violation,” the organizer expressed. Avelo Airlines, a budget airline, operates in 23 states. This past April, the company established a new base of operations in Wilmington.

Ever since this development, the city has witnessed a series of demonstrations. The initial protest against Avelo took place in front of the airport in May but this week highlighted the multi-agency national campaign looking to apply ‘commercial pressure’ on the airline following its commitment to the questionable agreement. “Our protests have now expanded into a nationwide campaign, as we unite with activists across the country where Avelo is in operation,” explained an organizer.

One passionate demonstrator enlightened: “Avelo Airlines is a commercial carrier, and notably the only commercial one in contract with ICE. They’re serving deportation flights starting from Arizona and terminating in El Salvador. We’re attempting to inform the public, urging them to reconsider their patronage of the airline.” While the topic of immigration may not command universal consensus, and altering the standpoint of individuals on the subject may be challenging, local supporters and their nationwide counterparts are hoping to persuade travelers to reconsider their airline preference.

“Seemingly, our efforts are having an impact,” one demonstrator stated. “Avelo recently had to cancel a few flights and scale down on some of its routes. This wasn’t in Wilmington, but it happened elsewhere in the country.” The local activists hope that their collective efforts will lead to major transformations in the city’s polices.

Avelo defended its decision to partner up with ICE, stating that it was necessary for its financial stability. Meanwhile, an individual who serves on the steering committee for one of the advocacy groups filed a request for public records with the New Hanover County Airport Authority. It took a while, but the Deputy Airport Director clarified that the Authority didn’t allocate any resources for Avelo, neither did they approve any amendments to the budget with regards to the airline.

The committee member was sent a copy of Avelo’s lease agreement, which the official claimed ‘applies to all airlines operating at ILM.’ Furthermore, he provided a copy of the Authority’s reward program, a standard offering to all airlines. However, after a prolonged email communication, he admitted that local marketing funding has indeed been used to market Avelo flights and ILM Airport since Avelo started its operations.

Since Avelo’s commencement of operations, it has had a notable impact on the area’s economy. One demonstrator referred to this impact as ‘misaligned with the data which shows New Hanover County’s total tourist expenditure for 2023 was $1.1 billion. Considering the entire county’s annual GDP was less than $20 billion in the latest fiscal year, it is difficult to attribute so much economic activity to Avelo.’

This protestor continued to raise ethical concerns, as he concluded his dialogue. He stated, ‘By sidestepping this issue, we risk losing sight of a pressing ethical concern: Are we prepared to turn a blind eye to Avelo’s engagement in what some view as unlawful and cruel deportation flights merely because the other aspects of their operations are profitable for us? What moral cost are we risking if we continue to enable these flights?’