Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference at the federal building in Bradenton, Florida, on October 20, 2025.
Octavio Jones Getty Images
In a statement to CNBC, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, when asked about the Post article, said, “We are pleased to see the media highlighting the Trump Administration’s cost-effective and innovative ways to fulfill the American people’s mission of mass deportation of criminally illegal aliens.”
“This new initiative will enable ICE to operate more effectively, including the use of more efficient flight patterns, saving taxpayers $279 million,” McLaughlin said.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to quickly and efficiently removing illegal aliens who commit crimes,” she said.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 approaches San Diego International Airport for landing from New York on May 10, 2025 in San Diego, California.
Kevin Carter | Getty Images
CNBC has reached out to Daedalus Aviation for comment.
Currently, most deportation flights overseen by ICE Aviation, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are conducted by charter flight companies.
