The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing scrutiny over a $464 million purchase of a fleet of jets that have seen limited use. In late 2025, DHS acquired 10 airplanes, including three luxury jets, to support President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy, which was described as having 'unusual and compelling urgency.' The jets are currently parked in Lake Charles, Louisiana, due to a lack of available crews to operate them.
DHS spokespersons have attempted to shift responsibility for the purchase onto former Secretary Kristi Noem, stating that the contract was approved before Markwayne Mullin took office. However, a spokeswoman for Noem countered that the contract was finalized during Mullin's tenure, noting that the contract's cost increased by $303 million on his first day as secretary.
The contract was awarded to Daedalus Aviation Corporation, which had no prior federal contracts, and is chaired by William Walters III, a pro-Trump donor. The purchase has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who have indicated that most of the jets will not be used for deportations, but rather for transporting members of Congress.
Senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy have requested a full accounting of the purchase, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the use of taxpayer funds. DHS has stated that some jets are undergoing maintenance and that deportation flights are expected to commence later this month. The department's internal watchdog is reviewing contracts signed under Noem and is considering a criminal referral against her chief adviser, Corey Lewandowski, for potential misconduct related to these contracts.