Activists Celebrate Avelo Airlines’ Departure from Bradley Airport
A coalition of groups from Massachusetts and Connecticut gathered on Saturday to mark the forthcoming exit of Avelo Airlines from Bradley International Airport. The activists oppose the airline’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate deportation flights.
“These are people who are shackled, many of them have not gone before a judge, their families don’t know where they are. They’ve essentially been kidnapped and relocated in a very illegal way,” said John Majercak of Indivisible Northampton Swing Left Western Massachusetts.
Majercak emphasized that companies aiding ICE should not receive public support. “We think that any company that’s helping (ICE) shouldn’t get anyone’s business. So we’re spreading the word, letting people know not to fly them,” he added.
Activist Actions and Public Response
Activists from Connecticut and Massachusetts, including members of Indivisible and the Democratic Socialists of America CT Chapter, displayed large banners over the Route 75 overpass near the airport. They hailed this as a successful outcome of their pressure campaign against the airline.
Majercak criticized ICE’s treatment of immigrants as shocking and disturbing. “People are just horrified at what they’ve been seeing,” he said. On Saturday, demonstrators divided into two groups, with some protesting directly at Bradley Airport.
Summary
This event highlights growing opposition to Avelo Airlines’ cooperation with ICE, reflecting wider concerns about immigrant rights and corporate responsibility.