Lakeland-based group voices concerns over Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights

LAKELAND, Fla. — A group of Polk County residents has joined a nationwide initiative to stop Avelo Airlines from conducting deportation flights. 

The carrier, which began passenger flights in Lakeland last year, signed a deal in April to operate three charter flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

While the Boeing 737-800 planes Avelo is using for the flights are based in Arizona, some residents fear the deal with ICE could eventually expand to Lakeland.

Over the past couple of months, resident Maruja has been keeping a close eye on updates about Avelo.

“So, we can put pressure on the city level and put pressure on the corporate level,” she said.

The Lakeland native is part of Defund Oligarchy Blessed by Liberty, a grassroots advocacy group that formed in February. Spectrum Bay News 9 is identifying her only by her nickname for safety reasons. Maruja says several members of her group have been impacted by recent decisions made under the Trump administration.

“Many of us were affected by deportation — not us personally, but we had people in our family, our friends, neighbors that were being affected,” she said.

In response, Defund Oligarchy has voiced their concerns during rallies, including a national Stop Avelo protest that took place in more than 20 cities on Saturday.

The airline company started operating flights for ICE on May 12. In an announcement, Avelo’s founder, Andrew Levy, said the deal with the Department of Homeland Security would help the company expand and protect jobs.

In a statement from Avelo Airlines, a spokesperson said:

“Our charter operations and commercial operations are separate and do not overlap. The safety and well-being of our Crewmembers (employees), Customers and all individuals involved is our highest priority. While we recognize the right of individuals to peacefully assemble, Avelo’s main priority will continue to be maintaining the safety and timeliness of our operation.”

However, Maruja questions the carrier’s true intentions.

“We’ve seen Avelo cancel flights. We’ve seen them cancel passenger flights. And so, it begs the question of: Are they still providing a high service level to the potential passengers, the potential customers of Lakeland when so many of their resources are going to be diverted now to deportation flights?” she said.

Since the charter flights are expected to be profitable for the airline, Maruja believes it’s only a matter of time before the deal comes to Lakeland.

She and members of Defund Oligarchy plan to hold more rallies this summer. They’re also calling on the city of Lakeland to end its contract with Avelo.