Avelo Airlines found itself at the center of a nationwide protest on May 31st, as activists in dozens of cities rallied against the airline’s involvement in deportation flights. The demonstrations, organized by the Coalition to Stop Avelo, targeted many of the airline’s 49 destinations, including major hubs like Burbank, California, and Rochester, New York, as well as smaller cities such as Eugene and Salem, Oregon, and Wilmington, Delaware.

The protests stem from a $150 million contract Avelo holds with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This contract facilitates the airline’s role in deporting individuals from the United States. Activists are demanding an immediate end to this collaboration, arguing it directly contributes to the separation of families and undermines human rights.

The momentum behind the protests is undeniable. A significant online petition calling for a boycott of Avelo Airlines has already garnered over 28,000 signatures, showcasing the widespread public concern surrounding the issue. Protesters have vowed to maintain pressure on the airline, stating their actions will continue until the ICE contract is terminated or Avelo ceases operations entirely.

The protests highlight the growing tension between private companies and their involvement in controversial government programs. The future actions of Avelo Airlines, and the response from the public and government, will be closely watched.