Salem, OR — A growing number of Salem residents are urging the city to cancel its contract with Avelo Airlines after reports emerged that the low-cost airline had entered into an agreement with the federal government to assist with deportation flights. The controversy has sparked heated discussions about ethics, corporate responsibility, and immigration enforcement.
Avelo Airlines, which began offering budget flights out of Salem’s McNary Field earlier this year, has faced backlash from local activists and community members after it was revealed that the airline would be providing transportation for deportation flights. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is responsible for carrying out deportations, and airlines like Avelo are often contracted to transport individuals who are being removed from the country.
The deal between Avelo and the federal government was publicly disclosed, prompting outcry from several Salem residents. Many see the airline’s involvement in deportation flights as a violation of the city’s values, citing concerns about human rights and the impact of immigration policies on families and communities. Local activists are calling on the Salem City Council to reevaluate its contract with the airline, urging the city to take a stand against what they perceive as a harmful practice.
“We cannot stand by and let our city be complicit in the deportation of our neighbors,” said Maria Lopez, a local organizer with the Salem Immigrant Rights Coalition. “Avelo Airlines is enabling the separation of families, and the city of Salem should not be in business with a company that participates in such actions.”
In response to the growing pressure, the City Council has indicated that it is aware of the concerns but has not yet taken any formal action regarding the contract. Council members have expressed that they are considering the legal and financial implications of severing ties with Avelo, while also acknowledging the sensitive nature of the issue.
“Our priority is to ensure that Salem remains a welcoming community for everyone,” said Mayor Anna Williams. “We understand the concerns raised by residents and will be evaluating all aspects of this contract in the coming weeks.”
The debate over Avelo’s contract has also sparked broader conversations about corporate involvement in immigration enforcement. Critics argue that companies should not profit from government contracts that facilitate the deportation of individuals, while supporters of the practice contend that these operations are necessary for national security and immigration control.
Avelo Airlines, for its part, has defended its involvement, stating that it is simply fulfilling its contractual obligations with the federal government. The airline has emphasized that it follows all legal requirements when participating in such operations and that its role is strictly as a service provider, not as a policy advocate.
As the controversy continues to unfold, local residents are planning additional protests and petitions aimed at influencing the City Council’s decision. Many hope that the city will take a firm stand against deportation flights, sending a clear message that Salem prioritizes compassion and human dignity over profit.
The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications, not only for Avelo Airlines but for other companies involved in similar contracts with the government. For now, Salem residents are closely watching as their city grapples with a complex issue that touches on immigration, ethics, and the role of corporations in government policies.
The next city council meeting, scheduled for later this month, is expected to address the growing concerns, and activists are already planning to attend in full force. It remains to be seen whether Avelo Airlines will continue its operations at McNary Field or whether the city will take decisive action to end its relationship with the airline.
