Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts is urging federal immigration authorities to cease operations at Bedford’s Hanscom Field airport pertaining to deportation flights. In a letter addressed to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and Department of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, Healey pointed out the troubling use of private aircraft for deporting residents.
Concerns Over Deportation Practices
Healey described these practices as “disturbing and anti-American,” emphasizing that they separate individuals from their families and legal counsel without due process. The letter highlights reports indicating that a significant number of those detained in Massachusetts lack criminal charges or convictions, thus raising concerns over the legitimacy of these flights.
Stats on ICE Flights
- 217 ICE flights took off from or landed at Hanscom Field between October and November, according to the ICE Flight Monitor.
- A recorded 65 detainees were transferred from Plymouth County’s ICE detention facility to Hanscom Field during the same period.
- Previous reports indicated transfers of detainees to border states, including a flight carrying 40 detainees to New Mexico.
The flights are often chartered through private companies like Eastern Air Express, which have contracts with ICE. Healey criticized the approach of these deportations, stating that individuals are frequently flown out of state within hours of their arrests, further complicating their access to legal resources.
Call for Action
Governor Healey’s letter underscores her position that the operations obstruct due process rights. She stressed, “This is not the justice we believe in or stand for in Massachusetts or as Americans.” The governor’s office has demanded a halt to the use of any airport and private jets for deporting residents.
Response from Airport Authorities
Massport, operating Hanscom Field, clarified that it does not hold any contract with ICE. However, as a public-use airport, it cannot refuse any legal flights, including those operated by federal agencies. A spokesperson for Massport, Jennifer Mehigan, explained that the agency is not informed in advance about these flights and does not influence their scheduling.
Healey’s statements reflect broader concerns among advocates and families about the implications of these deportation flights. The use of Hanscom Field for ICE operations continues to provoke debate about immigration enforcement practices in Massachusetts.
