Last September, I wrote an Opinion in the Daily State News, asking Avelo Airlines to stop taking part in deporting immigrants for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“Avelo Airlines’ role in immigration questioned”). I’m very happy to thank the airline for its recent decision to stop making deportation flights. It’s a sound decision that protects the integrity of its brand and a decision that is good for Avelo’s staff. During their period of flying these deportation flights, there were objections by flight attendants, who said these trips were unsafe for passengers. These professionals felt uneasy about being asked to forego their training of providing comfort and safety to passengers, while U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flights were noticeably lacking in safety measures.
I also objected to my tax dollars being spent by Delaware to support this airline, while providing fuel tax breaks and promotional grants to Avelo. Our state is glad to have this transportation option, and now, the flying public can use this airline without questions about Avelo’s judgment to support what has turned out to be a seriously brutal immigration policy.
Bruce Dalleo
Wilmington
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
