The City of New Haven has taken a definitive stand against Avelo Airlines, issuing a memo that prohibits the use of public funds for the budget airline’s services, including flights, marketing, and promotional activities. This decision, signed by Chief of Staff Sean Matteson, underscores the city’s commitment to its values as a welcoming community.
Avelo Airlines has faced backlash since its agreement with the Trump administration to conduct deportation flights. On the heels of this memo, Puerto Ricans United, Inc. (PRU), a prominent cultural organization in New Haven, publicly announced its decision to sever ties with Avelo. PRU President Joe Rodriguez indicated that the decision stemmed from the airline’s connection to ICE operations, which many community members find objectionable.
Mayor Justin Elicker elaborated on the city’s stance, asserting that Avelo’s involvement with ICE’s deportation flights contradicted the values of New Haven as a city that promises inclusivity. Elicker emphasized that the city had previously maintained a positive relationship with Avelo but criticized the airline’s shift in policy towards deportation flights.
In recent months, Avelo has been implicated in transporting individuals for deportation, drawing ongoing community protests at Tweed New Haven Airport. Rodriguez confirmed that the decision to cut ties with Avelo was a proactive measure taken in solidarity with the community following Avelo’s controversial contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The outcry against Avelo reflects a rising awareness and activism in New Haven regarding immigration issues and the impact of corporate decisions on local communities. This collective pushback, embodied by both the city and cultural organizations, marks an essential step toward holding companies accountable for their ethical stances and their effects on human lives.
As more organizations align with the city’s values, it signals a growing movement prioritizing community integrity over financial partnerships. Engaging in these difficult conversations may prove to be a significant turning point in advocating for human rights and fostering awareness of the implications of corporate alliances with the government.
This response represents a community standing together for human rights, and as activists gain momentum, there is hope for further positive changes in corporate accountability and community advocacy.