Maryland protesters call for state to cut ties with Avelo Airlines over deportation flights
Protesters gathered at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland on Sunday, calling for the state to cut ties with an airline that operates deportation flights.
Avelo Airlines is contracted to operate deportation flights for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Organizers said more than 4,000 Marylanders have already signed petitions backing their demand. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has not announced any action in response to the protests.
WJZ reached out to the airline for comment, but we have not heard back.
Avelo's contract to fly migrants
According to CBS News, Avelo's domestic and international flights for migrants started in mid-May. Avelo said the aircraft used for the trips do not bear the company's logo.
Avelo said the agreement with ICE is a "long-term charter program."
The airline has been recruiting flight attendants to staff the flights, according to a job posting for what it calls a "charter program for the Department of Homeland Security," CBS News reported. The job pays $28 an hour for the first year of service.
"We are seeking energetic, highly motivated Flight Attendants who wish to join a committed group of safety and service professionals at Avelo Airlines," the listing reads.
"Flights will be both domestic and international trips to support DHS's deportation efforts," the post adds, although it makes no references to migrants.
Can Maryland cancel the contract?
According to the Maryland Aviation Commission, the state has the authority to cancel the contract.
Since the federal contract for immigration deportation is with the Department of Homeland Security, and not Maryland, Gov. Moore can't interfere.
However, the governor could look at Maryland's agreements with Avelo, like the lease that allows the airline to operate out of BWI or state tax breaks. New York and Connecticut are exploring similar options.
According to the Maryland Aviation Commission, the state can break an airline contract by terminating it, which often requires 30 days' notice, or through a material breach of contract by the airline, which could include failing to comply with airport rules or regulations.
"We're calling on the state of Maryland to tell Avelo you're not welcome to operate here as long as you're being ICE collaborators," said protester Laura Atwood.
Protesters' demands
Sunday's demonstration was organized by a coalition of grassroots groups, including Doctors for Camp Closure, the Baltimore Rapid Response Network, and Maryland Indivisible chapters.
Protesters said deportations in Maryland have tripled since the start of the year. They also point to federal data showing nearly 20% of all U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) air flights in July were operated by Avelo.
"We have the ability to stand up by using a petition that the Baltimore Rapid Response Network has created, and that is to request Gov. Wes Moore to break the contract, which should be pretty easy to do, and it can be done in less than 30 days," said protester Jennifer Blalock, with the Maryland Indivisible Baltimore County chapter.
