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The head of the United States Department of Homeland Security allegedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airlines aircraft before learning that the airline did not actually own the planes – and that the planes were missing engines.

This strange incident was contained in a investigation published on Friday, which recounted how the official and a ex- campaign manager had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the planes to increase deportation flights – and for personal travel.

Those sources also stated that ICE agents had warned them that purchasing aircraft would be significantly costlier than simply increasing current charter agreements.

Immigration officials facing intense criticism after video reportedly shows unconscious man holding child during detention.

Making the situation more complex, the airline, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second instance in August, did not possess the jets and their engines would have had to be bought separately. 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 aircraft for $200 million.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard signed a sole source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury jets to facilitate travel for you and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200m,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to the department.

A department representative informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were incorrect but declined to provide further details.

Congress had earlier approved the termed “big, beautiful bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170bn for immigration 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 reported that the administration was transporting immigrants detained as part of its removal program in ways that violated their legal rights, often by plane.

Confidential information reviewed from private airline Global Crossing outlined the journeys of tens of thousands of individuals who have been transported around the country before deportation.