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The head of the United States Department of Homeland Security allegedly approved the purchase of Spirit Airline jets before learning that the airline did not actually own the aircraft – and that the aircraft lacked engines.

This bizarre anecdote was detailed in a report published on the end of the week, which recounted how the official and a former political strategist had recently attempted to purchase ten Boeing 737 planes from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the pair planned to use the jets to increase deportation flights – and for private use.

Those insiders also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had cautioned them that purchasing aircraft would be far more expensive than simply increasing current charter agreements.

Immigration officials confronting fierce backlash after footage reportedly shows unconscious man clutching child during arrest.

Making the situation more complex, the airline, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in August, did not possess the aircraft and their engines would have had to be bought separately. The plan has since been paused, according to the report.

In the interim, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in the autumn that during this season's record-long government shutdown, the DHS had already acquired two Gulfstream aircraft for $200m.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the US Coast Guard entered into a sole source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for the secretary and the deputy secretary, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200 million,” 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 refused to provide additional clarification.

The legislature had previously approved the so-called “big, beautiful bill” in the summer, which dedicates roughly $170bn for immigration and border security operations, a sum that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.

In the autumn, it was revealed that the government was moving individuals held as part of its removal program in ways that breached their constitutionally protected rights, often by plane.

Confidential information reviewed from charter airline GlobalX detailed the journeys of tens of thousands of individuals who have been transported around the country before removal.