Trump Administration Acquires Six Boeing 737 Jets for Enhanced Deportation Operations Under $140 Million Contract

Congress has allocated $170 billion to support the Trump administration's border and immigration initiatives.

The Trump administration is reportedly planning a significant expansion of its anti-immigration agenda in 2026. According to a Washington Post report, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered into a contract valued at approximately $140 million to acquire at least six Boeing 737 aircraft designated for deportation flights, following a substantial funding increase approved by Congress.

This acquisition will enable US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—a division of DHS—to maintain its own fleet of deportation aircraft, eliminating the need to rely on chartered planes.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin informed The Post that these aircraft would reduce costs "by allowing ICE to operate more effectively, including by using more efficient flight patterns."

While not providing specific details, she indicated that the initiative would save approximately $279 million in taxpayer funds. McLaughlin further stated that President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem "are committed to quickly and efficiently getting criminal illegal aliens OUT of our country."

Earlier this year, Congress approved a substantial $170 billion over four years for the Trump administration's border and immigration agenda as part of the Republican Party's comprehensive tax legislation. This significant financial infusion has provided the administration with resources to extensively fund immigration enforcement efforts aimed at meeting Republican objectives of deporting unprecedented numbers of immigrants.

According to officials familiar with the contract and related records, funding for the aircraft is being drawn from this allocation, as reported by The Post.

The Trump administration has established a goal of deporting at least 1 million individuals by the conclusion of its first year in office. According to Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, the administration has already conducted over 579,000 removals.

DHS data indicates that nearly 66,000 immigrants are currently being held in detention facilities.

Additionally, the Pentagon has reportedly redirected at least $2 billion from its core operations this year to support the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement.

According to a report released by Democratic lawmakers, this reallocation of funds has resulted in the postponement or cancellation of various programs, including the construction of a pilot training facility, repairs to schools serving children of service members, and the refurbishment of military barracks—an initiative that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has designated as a priority.

The acquisition of new aircraft specifically for deportation purposes has prompted questions regarding DHS's plans for these assets after Trump's presidency concludes.

Historically, ICE Air Operations, the agency's primary air transportation division, has predominantly utilized charter flight companies for deportation operations. According to individuals familiar with these operations, the use of chartered aircraft has provided administrations with the flexibility to adjust flight frequencies as needed.

From January 20, when Trump resumed his White House tenure for a second term, through October 31, the US has conducted 1,701 deportation flights to 77 countries, according to a monthly report published by the ICE Flight Monitor from Human Rights First.

The report indicated that ICE Air Operations executed "the vast majority of US immigration enforcement flights."