Surge of Support: 30K Signatures Demand End to Airline’s ICE Flights from Mesa

MESA, Ariz. — Avelo Airlines has entered into a controversial agreement to conduct charter flights for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as confirmed by the company to 12News. This decision has sparked significant public outcry, with thousands signing an ongoing petition on change.org urging the cancellation of such flights from Mesa.

The petition highlights the emotional toll of deportations, vowing to boycott Avelo until it ceases operations that they argue are detrimental to families and communities. Among those affected is Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father reportedly facing deportation without clear means of returning to his family.

Avelo Airlines, which operates from Houston, stated that it plans to use three 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport for these operations. The charter flights are set to start on May 12 and will include both domestic and international routes aimed at supporting ICE’s deportation initiatives.

Andrew Levy, Avelo’s Founder and CEO, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. He emphasized that after extensive reflection, the decision to engage in this charter program was made in order to ensure the stability needed for the airline’s growth and to protect the employment of over 1,100 crew members.

In line with the new agreement, Avelo is actively seeking to fill positions at the Mesa base, prioritizing existing employees for transfers. Current job listings reveal that the airline is looking for “energetic, highly motivated” flight attendants, with starting pay set at $28 per hour and a noted involvement in ICE’s deportation efforts.