ICE deportation flights ignored FAA safety regulations, whistleblower claims in lawsuit
Source: The Independent
Thursday 18 June 2026 09:05 EDT
A former Avelo Airlines flight attendant assigned to work ICE deportation flights under a contract the ultra-low-budget carrier signed last year with the U.S. government claims she was demoted, then fired, after reporting “serious… violations affecting crew and passenger safety,” according to a federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent.
In her complaint, whistleblower Arianne Campbell, 49, says she raised “multiple” concerns to higher-ups about crews ignoring Federal Aviation Administration regulations, such as failing to conduct required cabin checks during takeoff and landing, exposure to communicable diseases and “unclear safety procedures for emergency evacuations.”
Campbell also allegedly witnessed a frightening “display of physical violence” from at least one Avelo pilot, who, in an apparent fit of frustration, “became physically aggressive, punching the flight attendant jumpseat,” the complaint contends. But when Campbell told her managers she did not feel comfortable working in such conditions, they took no action, according to the complaint.
Instead, it alleges, the Los Angeles resident was reprimanded for creating “an uncomfortable and divisive onboard environment,” and told that she had “overstepped assigned responsibilities” in pointing out operational risks. Avelo soon stripped Campbell of her lead flight attendant title, and bumped her back down to a junior position with a cut in pay, the complaint continues.
Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/ice-deportation-faa-lawsuit-b2996881.html
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