Protesters demand Albany County end contract with Avelo Airlines

ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Protesters across the country are urging Avello Airlines to end its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), focusing on Albany County. Mariana Achlaug, an organizer with Indivisible Albany, emphasized the goal of the protest: “Because of its association with ICE and the fact that they are choosing the bottom line over human dignity, we want them out of Albany County.”

The protesters, some of whom wore chains as a symbol of the treatment of detained passengers, are demanding the immediate shutdown of all Avello flights to and from Albany County.

He asked, “What is the cost to your taxpayers, your wallets, human dignity and the humane process of law.”

Richard McGrath, another member of Indivisible, highlighted the importance of fair treatment,

“Our country is supposed to be based on the rule of law and fair treatment for all,” McGrath said.

In June, Senator Pat Fahey said that Avello’s ICE flights only departed from Texas and Arizona. Since then, Avello has reduced operations, no longer stopping in Arizona and primarily serving states on the eastern seaboard.

“Right now, Avello has left the West Coast, and they’re canceling flights from other states like Maine,” Achlaug said.

Avello Airlines acknowledged the right to peaceful protest in a previous statement to CBS6 but reaffirmed its intention to continue operations. Achlaug argued against this, saying that Avello’s departure from the West Coast shows that he is not wanted.

“We’ve been doing this for 7 months. We’re not going anywhere. Why don’t you move?” he asked.

Currently, Avello Airlines operates flights from Albany International Airport to Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, with service available two to four times a week.