Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has issued a stern demand to two private airline companies, GlobalX Airlines and Eastern Air Express, for their role in assisting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in conducting deportation flights from the state's Hanscom Field.
Healey's letter to the CEOs of both airlines criticized their involvement in providing aircraft and personnel for ICE use at Hanscom Field, arguing that it allows the agency to "quickly remove residents" without due process. The governor pointed out that many people detained by ICE in Massachusetts have no criminal convictions or charges against them, sparking outrage among local leaders.
Healey's move comes after a significant increase in ICE flights from Hanscom Field last year, with 114 departures between January and November 2025, representing a 143% rise from the same period in 2024. The governor also referenced news about Avelo Airlines ending its collaboration with ICE amid company-wide downsizing.
In her letter, Healey expressed concerns over the economic implications of spending hundreds of millions of dollars on private jets for deportation flights, particularly at a time when they are denying hunger benefits, cutting healthcare access, and raising costs through tariffs. The governor urged the airlines to "stop profiting off these anti-American tactics and facilitating obstruction of due process."
The move marks a significant escalation in Healey's criticism of ICE actions in Massachusetts, with local leaders expressing outrage over the agency's treatment of residents. The letter also highlights the growing tension between the state government and federal agencies on immigration enforcement.
Healey's letter to the CEOs of both airlines criticized their involvement in providing aircraft and personnel for ICE use at Hanscom Field, arguing that it allows the agency to "quickly remove residents" without due process. The governor pointed out that many people detained by ICE in Massachusetts have no criminal convictions or charges against them, sparking outrage among local leaders.
Healey's move comes after a significant increase in ICE flights from Hanscom Field last year, with 114 departures between January and November 2025, representing a 143% rise from the same period in 2024. The governor also referenced news about Avelo Airlines ending its collaboration with ICE amid company-wide downsizing.
In her letter, Healey expressed concerns over the economic implications of spending hundreds of millions of dollars on private jets for deportation flights, particularly at a time when they are denying hunger benefits, cutting healthcare access, and raising costs through tariffs. The governor urged the airlines to "stop profiting off these anti-American tactics and facilitating obstruction of due process."
The move marks a significant escalation in Healey's criticism of ICE actions in Massachusetts, with local leaders expressing outrage over the agency's treatment of residents. The letter also highlights the growing tension between the state government and federal agencies on immigration enforcement.
they're just trying to make a buck but then they're gonna be outed as profiteers by some politician like Healey... meanwhile, those people getting deported might not even have done anything wrong 
and now the state's gonna spend millions of dollars on jets to fly them away... it's just crazy.
just heard about this... so they're basically saying that two airlines are helping ice deport ppl who haven't even done anything wrong 
and now mass gov is all like "stop profiting off these anti american tactics" but what's the point? its not like these airlines can just stop flying to hanscom field without it affecting their business 
i mean, what other options do they have? its a tough spot...
. It doesn't seem right that people with no convictions are still subject to detention and removal. And what's the point of paying hundreds of millions for private jets when we're struggling to help those who need it most? 
We should be focusing on providing support, not spending money on deportation flights.
, like what even is going on here? these two airlines are just chillin' with ICE and helping them send people away without even asking if they have a lawyer lol no thanks! Maura Healey is all up in arms about it too, I mean who wouldn't be right? it's like, what if you're not even doing anything wrong but still get deported? the governor is saying we should care more about due process and not just some company getting rich off of profiting from people's suffering 
This is just getting outta hand - private airlines gettin' paid to ferry ICE around like they're taxi services or somethin'. Hundreds of millions of dollars for deportation flights? Meanwhile, people are dyin' from hunger and healthcare costs are through the roof... it's like we're livin' in a sci-fi movie where corporations get to decide who lives and dies. 
And Healey is totally right btw - it's not cool that these planes are being used to take people away without even giving 'em a fair shake. I mean, have you seen those news vids of ppl being dragged off flights and thrown into detention centers? It's like, what even is going on here?! 
And honestly, how can we expect these companies to care about anything else when they know they'll get paid for doing this kinda stuff? 
It's just so messed up.
I mean, I know the state government has its own issues, but come on! This is just so unfair. These people are being torn from their families and communities without any real chance of getting a fair hearing. It's like, what about human rights or something? 
on this one. These airlines need to stop profiting off anti-American tactics ASAP 
. We need people who care about doing the right thing, not just lining their pockets. Let's hope they listen and change their ways soon! 
. Can't we just have a more nuanced conversation about immigration reform instead of demonizing private airlines? 
governor healey is giving these companies an ultimatum - either stop working with ice or face the consequences. i feel so much for all the ppl being detained at hansom field, they don't deserve to be treated like this 
Airlines are profiting off 
. It's not right that they're getting paid for doing something that's so inhumane 
. We need more leaders like her who care about people's rights 
. This is a big deal, folks! 
