Avelo Airlines, one of two commercial airlines that operates out of Humboldt County, has signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to begin deportation flights for ICE, beginning on May 12 out of Mesa, AZ. 
 
People across the country are being taken from their families, kidnapped and deported without due process, many being sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador. These deportations are not only unlawful and against the constitution, but they are inhumane and cruel. 

Flight attendants for ICE Air have expressed grave concerns over these deportation flights. According to one ProPublica article:


They worried about what would happen in an emergency. Could they really get over a hundred chained passengers off the plane in time?
“They never taught us anything regarding the immigration flights,” one said. “They didn’t tell us these people were going to be shackled, wrists to fucking ankles.”
“We have never gotten a clear answer on what we do in an ICE Air evacuation,” another said. “They will not give us an answer.”
“It’s only a matter of time,” a third said, before a deportation flight ends in disaster. 

How are people fighting back?

People are protesting around the country, from an Avelo hub in New Haven, CT to Humboldt’s Avelo destination, Burbank, CA. 

Connecticut, as well as California, offers fuel tax exemptions for commercial airlines. Connecticut citizens are calling for the bill allowing these exemptions to expire on June 30. An article from the New Haven Independent states:

“The petition also criticizes Avelo for using these deportation flights to ​“make up for operating losses at Tweed Airport, thereby funding New Haven’s airport through cruel deportation practices.” The petition calls for the state legislature to not renew a ​“massive tax cut” on Avelo’s fuel tax bill when it expires on June 30.” 

What can you do?

Sign the petition at change.org and make your pledge now to not fly Avelo while they continue with deportation flights. 

Print and pass out these flyers:

What can Humboldt do?

Members of HDC have reached out to Assembly member Chris Rogers to discuss ways to put pressure on Avelo regarding California’s fuel tax exemption. 

A group is organizing a local awareness protest at high-traffic locations to alert the community and draw support for a “No Ice in Our Sky” movement.

We will continue to resist!

This movement is growing quickly, gaining national attention, and we are calling on our community members to join us in the fight to keep ICE out of our skies!

Join Humboldt Democracy Connections and be a part of the resistance!

Avelo Airlines in the News

5/12/25 – Avelo Airlines Faces Backlash for Aiding Trump’s Deportation Campaign