Salem and Eureka Residents Oppose Avelo Airlines Over ICE Deportation Flights

On June 23, numerous Salem residents testified before the city council urging the cancellation of the city's two contracts with Avelo Airlines or at least to issue a statement condemning the airline's deportation flights. Avelo Airlines, which holds a 10-year contract allowing them to operate out of the Salem airport, has been operating deportation flights from Arizona but reportedly has no plans to do so from Salem, according to a company spokeswoman. Despite strong public opposition, including voices from community leaders such as Alex Buron of Latinos Unidos Siempre and Marlen Lopez who emphasized the harmful social impact of deportations and cited Oregon's sanctuary state status, the council decided not to cancel the contracts. Key city officials, including Council President Linda Nishioka and Councilor Paul Tigan, expressed concerns about financial risks and the potential loss of federal aviation grants, as well as the chance that terminating the contract might deter future airlines from operating at Salem Airport. The council meeting included emotional testimonies, with Councilor Deanna Gwyn stating her silence came from the tragedy's weight rather than agreement with Avelo's actions. The controversy highlights the conflict between community values and economic development considerations in Salem, with ongoing debate expected as other Avelo bases at airports such as Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County and Redmond are also shutting down operations, along with the base closure at Burbank airport starting in August and concluding flights by December 2nd. This evolving situation underscores the broader impact of airline policies on local communities and government decisions.

On Tuesday, Humboldt Democracy Connections (HDC) planned to demand that the Eureka City Council cease all official use of Avelo Airlines because of the airline's contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involving deportation flights. HDC stated that continued patronage of Avelo Airlines contradicts the city’s recently adopted sanctuary policy. HDC spokesperson Marlee Nelson said, "It’s time for the council to back up their principles with action, not just when it’s convenient or cheap, but when all Californians are paying the price for ICE and its lawless persecutions."

Avelo Airlines is among smaller carriers contracted by ICE for deportation flights, which, according to HDC, may involve detaining individuals in handcuffs, waist chains, and leg irons—practices raising serious human rights and safety concerns. Furthermore, the group criticized Avelo for refusing to disclose details of its ICE operations when questioned by state officials. Nelson also said, "These flights are intentionally cruel and represent a misuse of taxpayer dollars. Avelo is under no obligation to run these flights; if the reports are accurate, the airline has willingly chosen to profit from and enable these acts."

In response, Avelo Airlines defended the decision, stating that the ICE flights help bolster the airline's financial stability, support the expansion of scheduled passenger service, and maintain its workforce. The airline claimed to have operated similar flights for the federal government during the Biden administration.

A boycott petition on Change.org urging people to avoid the airline had nearly 40,000 signatures as of the previous weekend. Financial reports indicated that the City of Eureka was projected to spend $2,500 on Avelo Airlines travel in the current fiscal year, with an estimated 40 percent increase in travel costs if switching to United Airlines, according to HDC.