The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is finalizing plans for ICE Air, a government-owned aircraft fleet operating 24/7 to execute deportations, voluntary repatriations, and high-risk charters starting 28 July 2027. The program expands the initial acquisition of six Boeing 737s purchased for $140 million to a minimum of nine jets, comprising seven Boeing 737-700s and two C-37Bs or equivalent Gulfstream G650ERs for executive transport. DHS is soliciting proposals from private aviation operators to manage the fleet through a contract spanning summer 2027 to 2032, supplying pilots, nurses, security, and flight attendants. This structural shift replaces reliance on commercial carriers like Avelo, Omni Air, and GlobalX, enabling rapid-response flights aligned with the administration’s target of one million annual deportations while supporting diplomatic travel for senior officials.