Private luxury plane owned by Trump donor reportedly used for ICE deportation flights

WASHINGTON, DC: A private luxury jet owned by a longtime Donald Trump supporter and donor was reportedly used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation flights, according to a new investigation that has drawn scrutiny from immigration advocates and civil liberties groups.

The aircraft, owned by Florida real estate developer Gil Dezer, was allegedly chartered for multiple removal flights, including transporting detainees from the United States to overseas destinations, most recently for a pair of removals to Israel.

Private jet linked to ICE deportation flights to Israel

The alleged flights to Tel Aviv, which departed the United States from Arizona in late January and earlier this week, took place on a private jet owned by property tycoon Gil Dezer, according to an investigation by The Guardian and +972 Magazine.

Dezer, along with his father, Israeli-American businessman Michael Dezer, has donated to past pro-Trump campaign efforts and worked with President Trump on a series of Florida-based luxury projects through their company, Dezer Development.

The jet in question reportedly bore the company’s logo.

Haaretz covered the January flight’s arrival and published a photo that appears to show detainees disembarking from a gray-and-black private jet and moving directly toward nearby security staff.

The Independent said it contacted Dezer Development, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.

DHS says ICE used approved carriers for deportations

The White House referred The Independent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for questions regarding the alleged flights. ICE reportedly chartered the flights through Journey Aviation, a Florida-based company that has previously been used for immigration-related operations.

“ICE does not contract directly with private aircraft owners or investigate the ownership of individual aircrafts used by our contractors,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told The Independent. “All flights are arranged through approved air carriers.”

“Per longstanding Department policy, we do not discuss the content of private diplomatic and interagency conversations,” a State Department spokesperson told the outlet.

“The Trump Administration continues to prioritize the rapid deportation of illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal records, to restore border security and public safety and protect the American people,” the spokesperson added.

The Dezers have deep ties to President Trump and have partnered on six Trump-branded real estate projects, according to their website.

In a recent interview, Dezer credited working with Trump for paving the way to real estate partnerships with high-end brands such as Bentley. “It really all started out with Trump,” Dezer told the business media brand “traded.”

“I love him,” Dezer added. “I’ve known him now for twentysomething years. I was at his wedding. He was at my wedding. We’re good friends. Very proud that he’s in the office. Very proud of the job he’s doing.” 

Deportation flights have remained a persistent source of criticism for the companies involved.