Activists Celebrate Avelo Airlines’ Exit from Bradley Airport
A coalition of groups from Massachusetts and Connecticut gathered Saturday to mark Avelo Airlines' decision to leave Bradley International Airport. Their opposition centers on the airline’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate deportation flights.
Concerns Over Deportation Flights
John Majercak of Indivisible Northampton Swing Left Western Massachusetts explained the plight of deportees:
These are people who are shackled, many of them have not gone before a judge, their families don’t know where they are. They’ve essentially been kidnapped and relocated in a very illegal way.
He emphasized their stance against companies working with ICE:
We think that any company that’s helping (ICE) shouldn’t get anyone’s business. So we’re spreading the word, letting people know not to fly them.
Activist Actions and Reactions
- Activists from Indivisible and the Democratic Socialists of America’s Connecticut chapter displayed large banners over Route 75 near the airport.
- This was part of a pressure campaign they consider successful in influencing the airline’s departure.
- Majercak described ICE’s treatment of immigrants as appalling and stated:
People are just horrified at what they’ve been seeing.
The activists divided into two groups, with one group protesting directly at Bradley Airport.
Summary
The coalition’s campaign against Avelo Airlines highlights community resistance to the airline’s involvement in deportation flights and reflects broader concerns about ICE’s practices.