Lawmakers Sound the Alarm on ICE ‘Ghost Flights’
Why It Matters
Greater flight‑data transparency would enable congressional oversight of ICE deportations, curbing secrecy and restoring public confidence in immigration enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- •32 Democrats demand FAA transparency on ICE deportation flights.
- •DHS allegedly withholds aviation data via LD program misuse.
- •Proposed Track ICE Act would publish flight info within 72 hours.
- •FAA says it will respond directly to congressional inquiry.
- •Critics call “ghost flights” dangerous and obstruct accountability.
Summary
A coalition of 32 House Democrats sent a letter to FAA Administrator Brian Bedford demanding greater transparency on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) so‑called “ghost flights,” which transport deportees but are not reflected in public flight‑tracking data.
Lawmakers say the Department of Homeland Security has been using the Limited Data (LD) program—intended for private, non‑commercial aircraft—to hide routine government operations. They cite a sharp rise in deportation flights last year and request a detailed report on whether the FAA knows of additional data‑suppression methods.
The letter references the Track ICE Act, introduced by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, which would require ICE flight information to be posted within 72 hours of takeoff and bar operators from concealing tracking data. An FAA spokesperson said the agency will respond directly to the members, while ICE declined comment.
If enacted, the legislation could force real‑time disclosure, enhancing oversight of immigration enforcement and addressing criticism from advocacy groups that the lack of visibility undermines accountability and public trust.
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