Air Wisconsin Shifts Focus to ICE Deportation Flights

The regional airline now plays a key role in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, flying between detention centers.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Air Wisconsin Airlines, a struggling regional carrier based in Appleton, Wisconsin, was sold to CSI Aviation, a New Mexico-based air charter company that has provided charter services for ICE since 2024. After the sale, Air Wisconsin's flight patterns shifted dramatically, with the airline now focusing on routes to and from ICE detention facilities in Texas and Louisiana, replacing its previous Midwestern regional service.

Why it matters

The sale of Air Wisconsin to CSI Aviation, a company that contracts with ICE for deportation flights, highlights the growing role of private companies in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. This shift in Air Wisconsin's operations raises concerns about the privatization of immigration enforcement and the potential human rights implications of these deportation flights.

The details

After the sale to CSI Aviation in January 2026, Air Wisconsin's flight patterns changed significantly. The airline's website no longer lists passenger routes, and flight data indicates that the airline has largely abandoned its role as a Midwestern regional carrier. Instead, the airline's destinations have shifted south, with many flights now connecting to ICE detention facilities in Texas and Louisiana, including some of the agency's largest facilities. The airline has also increased its flights to and from airports near major ICE operations, such as Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and El Paso International Airport.

  • In January 2026, Harbor Diversified Inc., the parent company of Air Wisconsin, sold the company's operations and 13 of its jets to CSI Aviation, a New Mexico-based air charter company.
  • After the sale, Air Wisconsin sent recall notices to the company's furloughed flight attendants, and the Association of Flight Attendants negotiated an immediate raise for returning members.
  • In January 2026, the airline's flight patterns shifted dramatically, with the airline now focusing on routes to and from ICE detention facilities in Texas and Louisiana, replacing its previous Midwestern regional service.

The players

Air Wisconsin Airlines

A 60-year-old regional airline based in Appleton, Wisconsin, that has faced financial struggles in recent years.

CSI Aviation

A New Mexico-based air charter company and longtime federal contractor that acquired Air Wisconsin's operations and 13 jets in January 2026. CSI Aviation has provided charter services for ICE since 2024.

Harbor Diversified Inc.

The Appleton-based parent company of Air Wisconsin that sold the company's operations and jets to CSI Aviation in January 2026.

Allen Weh

The former New Mexico Republican Party chair who owns CSI Aviation.

Association of Flight Attendants

The union representing Air Wisconsin's furloughed flight attendants, who negotiated an immediate raise for returning members after the sale to CSI Aviation.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.