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The secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security allegedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airline aircraft before learning that the airline did not truly possess the aircraft – and that the aircraft lacked power plants.

This strange incident was detailed in a report published on the end of the week, which recounted how the official and a former campaign manager had recently attempted to purchase ten Boeing 737 planes from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the jets to increase removal flights – and for personal travel.

Those insiders also stated that ICE agents had cautioned them that buying planes would be significantly costlier than simply increasing current charter agreements.

Immigration officials facing intense criticism after video reportedly shows unresponsive individual holding child during detention.

Making the situation more complex, Spirit, which entered bankruptcy protection for the second time in the summer, did not possess the jets and their engines would have had to be bought independently. The plan has since been halted, according to the investigation.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in October that during this fall's record-long federal shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already purchased two Gulfstream jets for $200 million.

“It has come to our attention that, in the middle of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard entered into a sole source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace to acquire two new G700 luxury jets to facilitate travel for you and the deputy secretary, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200m,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a communication to the department.

A department representative told the Journal that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were inaccurate but declined to provide further details.

Congress had previously authorized the so-called “major immigration bill” in July, which dedicates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border security operations, a sum that makes ICE the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the US government.

In the autumn, it was reported that the administration was transporting immigrants detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their legal rights, often by plane.

Leaked data reviewed from private airline Global Crossing detailed the travels of tens of thousands of immigrants who have been shuttled around the nation before removal.