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

This bizarre anecdote was contained in a report published on the end of the week, which described how the official and a ex- political strategist had recently arranged to purchase ten Boeing 737 planes from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the planes to increase removal flights – and for personal travel.

Those insiders also stated that ICE agents had warned them that buying planes would be far more expensive than simply expanding current charter agreements.

ICE facing fierce backlash after footage apparently shows unconscious man clutching child during arrest.

Making the situation more complex, the airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection for the second instance in the summer, did not own the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be acquired independently. The plan has since been paused, according to the investigation.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House funding panel said in October that during this season's historically lengthy federal shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already acquired 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 single-source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to support travel for you and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200 million,” Democratic representatives wrote in a letter to the department.

A department representative told the Journal that some details in the report about the aircraft acquisitions were incorrect but declined to offer further details.

Congress had previously authorized the termed “major immigration bill” in July, which dedicates roughly $170 billion for immigration-related and border security operations, a amount that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.

In September, it was revealed that the government was moving immigrants held as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their legal rights, often by air.

Leaked data examined from private airline Global Crossing detailed the journeys of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the nation before deportation.