Homeland Security Expands Deportation Fleet With High-End Jets

The $304 million purchase includes two Gulfstream G650ER jets, raising questions about the department's spending priorities.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a Gulfstream G650ER private jet sitting alone on a tarmac, the plane's sleek silhouette bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the government's use of such luxurious aircraft for deportation purposes.The Homeland Security Department's purchase of high-end Gulfstream jets for deportation flights raises questions about the efficient use of taxpayer funds.Washington Today

The Department of Homeland Security recently doubled its fleet of jets to carry out deportations under the Trump administration, shelling out $304 million for five planes including two high-end Gulfstream G650ER jets. The purchase has come under scrutiny for its overall price tag as well as the inclusion of the Gulfstreams, which can accommodate fewer than 20 passengers and are more typically used as private jets for executives and wealthy individuals.

Why it matters

The purchase of the Gulfstream jets has raised questions about whether Homeland Security is properly spending a windfall of funds for President Trump's immigration crackdown. Critics argue the department had many options to buy less expensive jets that could be used for deportations, and that the Gulfstreams are an inefficient use of taxpayer money.

The details

The contract to buy the planes is intended to make it easier and, department officials say, cheaper to expel people from the country. In total, the Homeland Security Department has bought 10 jets as part of an effort to acquire and operate its own fleet of planes to deport people. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has typically relied on chartered flights and commercial airlines to carry out deportations, but the department says operating its own fleet will save taxpayer money.

  • The contract to buy the five planes was finalized in April 2026, amid the department's shutdown that started two months prior.
  • The department purchased the two Gulfstream G650ER jets, two Boeing 737 planes, and a Boeing 737 Max last month.

The players

Homeland Security Department

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement and deportations.

Markwayne Mullin

The new Homeland Security Secretary who is assessing the department's resources, including the newly purchased aircraft.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who was previously using one of the department's new Boeing 737 Max jets.

Daedalus Aviation

The Virginia-based company that sold all 10 of the planes purchased by the Homeland Security Department.

William Walters

The president of Daedalus Aviation and a former State Department official.

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What’s next

It is unclear how the department will move forward with the plan to operate its own fleet of deportation jets. The new Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin, is currently assessing the department's resources, including the newly purchased aircraft.

The takeaway

The purchase of the high-end Gulfstream jets by the Homeland Security Department has raised concerns about the department's spending priorities and whether it is properly utilizing taxpayer funds for its immigration enforcement efforts. The move highlights the continued controversy surrounding the Trump administration's hardline approach to immigration.