Protesters Rally Against Avelo Airlines for Conducting ICE Deportation Flights

Protest Against Deportation Flights

• ✊ A Polk County grassroots organization, Defund Oligarchy Blessed by Liberty, is protesting Avelo Airlines for its involvement in deportation flights.
• 🗓️ Protesters gathered in Lakeland on May 31st, calling for Avelo Airlines to cease carrying out deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• 🌍 This rally was part of several national Stop Avelo Protests across the country.

Concerns and Impact

• ⚖️ Advocates highlight cases where individuals' rights were violated by ICE, emphasizing that these actions affect more than just those who have committed crimes.
• 🗣️ The founder of Defund Oligarchy, Maru Ha, shared her experience of facing xenophobic reactions and negative perceptions due to her Latino identity since deportations began.

Avelo Airlines' Involvement

• ✈️ Avelo Airlines, which started commercial flights in Lakeland last year, signed a deal with ICE to charter deportation flights, operating since May 12th with three planes based in Arizona.
• 💼 Avelo Airlines states this move supports expansion and protects jobs, noting they also flew charters under the Biden administration.
• 🇺🇸 A spokesperson for Avelo stated that as a US flag carrier, their practice is to say yes when the country calls, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Calls to Action

• 🚫 Defund Oligarchy is urging residents to boycott Avelo Airlines and calling on city officials to oppose the arrangement.
• 💰 The organization has asked the CEO to reconsider profiting off of deportations and the morality of their actions.
• 📅 Another protest is planned for June 28th, with fears that deportation flights may soon depart from Lakeland.