ProPublica, an investigative journalism organization, received a series of tips from an unexpected source last year: flight attendants. These flight attendants claimed to have worked on deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and were willing to share their experiences with ProPublica. This revelation opened up a window into the often secretive world of deportation flights, shedding light on what really goes on behind the scenes.

The flight attendants’ accounts painted a grim picture of life aboard these deportation flights. They described overcrowded planes filled with individuals who were restrained and often in distress. Some passengers were shackled, handcuffed, or even sedated, making for a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere on board. The flight attendants also shared stories of passengers who were ill or experiencing mental health crises, with limited resources available to address their needs. These firsthand accounts highlighted the human cost of deportation and the challenges faced by those involved in carrying out these flights.

In addition to the emotional toll, the flight attendants also revealed the logistical challenges of deportation flights. They described the extensive planning and coordination required to transport individuals from various locations to their countries of origin. This process involved navigating complex immigration laws and regulations, as well as ensuring the safety and security of both passengers and crew members. The flight attendants’ insights provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of deportation flights, offering a better understanding of the challenges faced by those involved in this controversial practice.

ProPublica’s reporting on deportation flights sparked a broader conversation about immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals being deported. The publication of these stories raised important questions about transparency and accountability in the immigration system, prompting calls for greater oversight and reform. By amplifying the voices of those directly involved in deportation flights, ProPublica shed light on a previously hidden aspect of immigration policy and sparked public debate on the ethical implications of deporting individuals en masse.

As the debate around immigration enforcement continues to evolve, ProPublica’s reporting serves as a reminder of the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful institutions accountable. By listening to the stories of those on the front lines of deportation flights, ProPublica was able to shine a light on a dark corner of the immigration system and challenge the status quo. This kind of reporting is essential for fostering transparency and promoting justice in the face of complex and often controversial issues.

In conclusion, ProPublica’s collaboration with flight attendants on deportation flights has brought much-needed attention to the realities of this often overlooked aspect of immigration enforcement. By sharing their experiences, these flight attendants have humanized the individuals being deported and highlighted the challenges faced by those involved in carrying out these flights. ProPublica’s reporting has sparked important conversations about immigration policy and the treatment of individuals in government custody, underscoring the need for greater oversight and accountability in the immigration system. Through their investigative work, ProPublica has demonstrated the power of journalism to expose injustice and advocate for change in a complex and challenging world.

THREAD: Last year, ProPublica started receiving tips from an unusual kind of source: flight attendants.

They said they’d worked on deportation flights for ICE, and they could tell us what it was really like on board. 1/

— ProPublica (@propublica) April 3, 2025

Flight attendants play a crucial role in the aviation industry, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during their travels. However, what happens when flight attendants find themselves on deportation flights for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)? ProPublica’s investigative reporting shed light on this often overlooked aspect of air travel. In a groundbreaking thread posted on Twitter, ProPublica revealed that they had been receiving tips from flight attendants who had worked on deportation flights for ICE. These flight attendants provided firsthand accounts of what it was really like on board these controversial flights.

The revelations from these flight attendants were eye-opening, providing a glimpse into a world that many of us may not be aware of. Through their tips, ProPublica was able to uncover the realities of deportation flights, shining a light on the experiences of both the deportees and the airline staff involved. The thread posted by ProPublica on Twitter served as a platform to share these stories and raise awareness about the often hidden aspects of immigration enforcement.

Flight attendants are trained to handle a variety of situations in the air, from medical emergencies to unruly passengers. However, working on deportation flights presents a unique set of challenges. The flight attendants who came forward to ProPublica described feeling conflicted about their roles on these flights, torn between their duty to ensure the safety of all passengers and their empathy for those being deported. The emotional toll of witnessing families being separated and individuals facing uncertain futures weighed heavily on these flight attendants.

One flight attendant shared a particularly poignant story of a young child who was being deported, crying inconsolably throughout the flight. The flight attendant struggled to maintain their composure in the face of such heartbreaking circumstances, highlighting the human side of immigration enforcement. These personal accounts humanized the issue of deportation flights, making it impossible to ignore the impact on individuals caught up in the immigration system.

ProPublica’s reporting on deportation flights for ICE sparked a conversation about the ethics of transporting individuals against their will. The thread on Twitter generated widespread interest and engagement, prompting discussions about the role of airlines in immigration enforcement. The stories shared by the flight attendants underscored the complexities of immigration policy and the human rights implications of deportation practices.

As the public became more aware of the realities of deportation flights, calls for greater transparency and accountability grew louder. ProPublica’s investigative reporting served as a catalyst for change, encouraging airlines to reexamine their involvement in deportation operations. The revelations from the flight attendants who bravely came forward shed light on a previously hidden aspect of air travel, sparking a larger conversation about the intersection of immigration and aviation.

In conclusion, ProPublica’s thread on Twitter, detailing the experiences of flight attendants on deportation flights for ICE, opened a window into a world that is often kept out of the public eye. The bravery of these flight attendants in sharing their stories helped to humanize the issue of immigration enforcement and shed light on the challenges faced by those caught up in the deportation system. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of immigration policy, it is important to remember the individuals behind the statistics and policies. The thread posted by ProPublica served as a powerful reminder of the human impact of deportation flights, sparking important conversations and calls for change in how we approach immigration enforcement.