The Department of Homeland Security has expanded its deportation fleet with a $304 million purchase of five planes, including two Gulfstream G650ER jets. This contract doubles the agency's deportation aircraft fleet. The purchase comes as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, which allocated over $170 billion to DHS for deportation efforts through its major domestic policy bill.

The acquisition has drawn criticism for its luxury nature and cost efficiency. Gulfstream G650ER jets typically carry fewer than 20 passengers and are commonly used by billionaires and corporate executives. Former ICE officials question whether the premium aircraft make financial sense when chartering smaller jets for "high-risk" deportations costs between $6,929 and $26,795 per flight hour.

The planes were purchased from Daedalus Aviation, a Virginia-based company. DHS claims operating their own fleet will save taxpayer money compared to chartering flights. However, experts remain skeptical about the business case for such high-end aircraft when the volume of special high-risk deportations is relatively low under the new leadership of Secretary Markwayne Mullin.