DHS spends $464 million on idle jets, officials trade blame over contract

The Department of Homeland Security allocated $464 million to purchase ten aircraft through a no-bid agreement with Daedalus Aviation Corporation, a firm linked to a political action committee headed by former Secretary Kristi Noem. Seven of the planes are older Boeing 737s that remain grounded due to a shortage of qualified staff, while three are high-end business jets, two of which have been proposed for loan to agencies like the FBI.

ICE historically relies on chartered private carriers or military jets for deportation missions, raising doubts about the necessity of owning a fleet. A DHS spokesperson placed responsibility on Noem, noting the contract was approved before Markwayne Mullin took office, whereas Noem’s office argued the deal was finalized under Mullin, with the contract value rising by $303 million on his inauguration day. Democratic senators Chris Murphy and Patty Murray have demanded a full accounting, saying the aircraft represent a misuse of taxpayer funds. The dispute highlights ongoing partisan battles over immigration enforcement spending.