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The head of the US Department of Homeland Security allegedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airlines aircraft before learning that the airline did not truly possess the planes – and that the planes were missing power plants.

This bizarre anecdote was detailed in a investigation released on the end of the week, which recounted how the secretary and a ex- political strategist had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the pair planned to use the planes to increase deportation flights – and for private use.

Those sources also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials had warned them that buying planes would be far more expensive than simply increasing existing flight contracts.

Immigration officials confronting intense criticism after footage reportedly shows unconscious man clutching child during detention.

Complicating matters further, Spirit, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second instance in the summer, did not possess the aircraft and their engines would have had to be bought separately. The proposal has since been paused, according to the investigation.

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers on the House appropriations committee said in October that during this season's historically lengthy federal shutdown, the DHS had already acquired two Gulfstream jets for $200 million.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a federal shutdown, the United States Coast Guard entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for you and the deputy, at a expense to the taxpayer of $200m,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a communication to the DHS.

A department representative informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were incorrect but refused to provide additional clarification.

The legislature had previously authorized the so-called “big, beautiful bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170bn for immigration and border-related operations, a amount that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most heavily funded federal agency in the US government.

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

Confidential information examined from private airline GlobalX outlined the journeys of tens of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the nation before deportation.