DHS officials doubt Noem's plane with bar and queen bed is for deportations: 'Far-fetched'
A $70 million Boeing 737 Max 8 jet used by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and close advisor Corey Lewandowski features luxury amenities despite being designated for deportation operations, according to NBC News.
Interior photographs obtained by NBC reveal the aircraft is outfitted with a bedroom featuring a queen bed, shower facilities, kitchen, four large flat-screen televisions and a requisite bar for the DHS head and her entourage.
According to NBC reporter Julia Ainsley, ICE officials assured the Office of Management and Budget that the aircraft would be used for deportations and occasional Cabinet official travel. However, some ICE personnel initially questioned whether the luxurious design was appropriate for deportation flights.
One official involved in the purchase characterized the deportation designation as questionable, calling it "far-fetched," before adding, "But that’s what they’re claiming.”
DHS officials have privately questioned whether the expensive acquisition is necessary to support Trump's mass deportation policy.
The aircraft's marketing materials emphasized its "exceptional interior design by renowned New York designer Peter Marino" and featured images of its various amenities in subtle shades of tan and mauve.
The luxury jet's capacity, accommodating 18 passengers and sleeping 14, contrasts sharply with standard deportation aircraft. Typical deportation planes accommodate 50 to 100 detainees and include medics and security personnel. Some deportation aircraft feature metal floor bars where high-risk detainees can be shackled.