Protesters to Avelo Airlines: ‘We Don’t Fly With Deporters’

Dozens of protesters gathered Thursday at Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport to denounce Avelo Airlines’ decision to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation flights beginning in May.

Immigrant rights advocates gathered that the Frederick Douglass International Airport, April 17, 2025, protesting Avelo Airlines decision to conduct deportation flights. Photo: Provided

Chanting, singing and holding signs in support of immigrant rights, demonstrators expressed strong opposition to the airline’s involvement in ICE operations. The protest drew local residents, faith leaders and advocates, who said the decision runs counter to Rochester’s values as a sanctuary city.

“Kidnapping our neighbors does not fly with us. We will not fly with you,” said City Council candidate Kelly Cheatle.

The protests followed an announcement that Avelo Airlines, a Houston-based low-cost carrier, will provide three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ICE under a long-term charter agreement. The airline has said the contract will help maintain jobs and provide financial stability.

But immigrant rights advocates called the move a moral failure. The Western New York Coalition, a regional alliance of immigration advocates and legal experts, issued a statement condemning the partnership and the use of the Rochester airport—named after abolitionist Frederick Douglass—for deportation flights.

“Frederick Douglass was a champion for racial justice, human dignity and civil rights,” the coalition said. “We insist that any use of our airport, which bears his name, honor his legacy.”

Joseph Cassidy-Schaffer, the coalition’s legal director, criticized the conditions in immigration detention and said deportation flights regularly violate human dignity.

“The reports of the conditions in detention, and the methods of removal—including on commercially chartered flights—show a consistent abuse of human dignity and disdain for basic civil rights,” he said.

The coalition also cited concerns over broader federal immigration practices, saying many deportations target individuals who have followed legal procedures or are fleeing hardship.

“Our federal government has indefinitely suspended the right to due process,” said Irene Sanchez, the coalition’s executive director. “We will not accept our tax dollars being used to aid a federal government that refuses to abide by the ideals of our Constitution and our founding fathers, among whom we proudly count Frederick Douglass.”

Local officials have also raised objections. Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart and others have urged County Executive Adam Bello to reconsider allowing Avelo to operate at the publicly funded airport.

Legislators said it is inappropriate for a facility named after a civil rights icon to host deportation operations.

In response to the criticism, Avelo CEO Andrew Levy defended the decision in a statement, saying the charter contract ensures financial stability and protects jobs.

“We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic,” Levy said. “After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 crewmembers employed for years to come.”

He added that Avelo has previously operated similar flights under multiple presidential administrations, regardless of party affiliation.