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Salem residents urge council to end Avelo contracts amid reports of deportation flights; council cites legal and fiscal limits
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Salem City Council to end contracts and subsidies with Avelo Airlines over allegations the carrier is operating deportation flights for ICE; councilors said they heard the concerns but cited legal and fiscal risks to immediate cancellation.
Dozens of Salem residents used public comment to demand that the city cut ties with Avelo Airlines, which speakers said is operating deportation charter flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Petitioners said they delivered a petition with roughly 550 signatures and called for immediate cancellation of municipal contracts, public condemnation and a city statement of solidarity with immigrant communities.
What residents said Speakers including Jordan Millett, Giovanni Tolentino, Robin Graves, Aaron Harris and many others said Avelo is facilitating or profiting from deportation flights and urged the city to terminate contracts, withhold subsidies and issue a council statement denouncing recent federal enforcement actions. A number of speakers described personal or family ties to immigrant communities, cited reports of ICE activity elsewhere, and called for concrete city action rather than expressions of sympathy.
Council response and constraints Several councilors acknowledged the testimony but cautioned that unilateral cancellation of airport contracts could expose the city to litigation and potential fiscal liability. Councilor Nordyke reiterated that Salem Police do not enforce federal immigration laws and that Oregon law limits local participation in immigration enforcement; she said the police department will deny and report any requests from federal immigration officials. Councilor Nishioka said the city must weigh the legal risk of breach-of-contract consequences and the potential use of general fund dollars to defend or settle against private parties.
What the record shows - Speakers claimed a long-term deal exists between Avelo and ICE; multiple speakers referenced a petition of about 550 signers and urged the council to act. - The council did not vote to cancel or suspend airport contracts at this meeting. Council members said staff had met with parties in May and that the city is reviewing options, but no formal termination or enforcement action was recorded on the public record at this session.
Why it matters Speakers said the Avelo contract is incompatible with Salem’s sanctuary-city status and asked elected officials to use municipal leverage to oppose federal deportation operations. Councilors acknowledged the political and moral arguments but emphasized municipal limits and potential legal consequences of unilateral contract cancellation.
