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The secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security allegedly approved the acquisition of Spirit Airline jets before learning that the airline did not actually own the planes – and that the aircraft lacked engines.

This strange anecdote was contained in a report released on Friday, which described how the secretary and a ex- political strategist had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the pair intended to use the planes to increase removal flights – and for private use.

Those sources also stated that ICE officials had cautioned them that purchasing aircraft would be far more expensive than simply increasing current charter agreements.

ICE confronting intense criticism after footage reportedly shows unconscious man holding child during detention.

Complicating matters further, the airline, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second instance in August, did not own the jets and their engines would have had to be bought separately. The proposal has since been halted, according to the report.

In the interim, Democratic lawmakers on the House funding panel said in October that during this season's historically lengthy government shutdown, the DHS had already purchased two Gulfstream aircraft for $200m.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a federal shutdown, the US Coast Guard entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace to procure two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for the secretary and the deputy, at a expense to the taxpayer of $200m,” Democratic representatives wrote in a letter to the department.

A department representative told the Journal that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were inaccurate but refused to provide additional clarification.

Congress had earlier approved the so-called “big, beautiful bill” in the summer, which allocates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border security operations, a amount that makes ICE the most well-funded federal agency in the federal government.

In the autumn, it was revealed that the administration was transporting immigrants detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by air.

Confidential information examined from private airline Global Crossing outlined the travels of thousands of individuals who have been transported around the country before deportation.