Shannon Airport and the Shadowy World of Deportation Flights
Shannon Airport in Ireland is facing increased scrutiny following revelations that it has been used as a refueling stop for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flights deporting Palestinian men to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The flights, operated using a private jet owned by Gil Dezer, a long-time business partner and donor to former US president Donald Trump, have sparked outrage among Irish opposition politicians who are demanding answers.
A Secretive Operation Unveiled
An investigation by The Guardian, with contributions from Israeli news site +972 Magazine, exposed the operation. Two flights, on January 20/21 and February 1/2, utilized Shannon Airport during their journeys from Arizona to Tel Aviv. Passengers reportedly traveled shackled, highlighting the controversial nature of these deportations. The jet also made refueling stops in New Jersey and Bulgaria.
Political Fallout and Government Response
The use of Shannon Airport has drawn strong condemnation from Irish political parties. Labour Party foreign affairs spokesman Duncan Smith labeled the situation “absolutely reprehensible,” calling for intervention from the Taoiseach and Minister for Transport. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman described the situation as “deeply disturbing,” while other politicians questioned the legality and human rights implications of the flights.
The Department of Transport stated that stops for “technical purposes” – refueling without passengers disembarking – do not require prior authorization. However, this response has done little to quell the growing concerns.
The Trump Connection and Dezer Development
The private jet involved is owned by Gil Dezer, a Florida property tycoon with close ties to Donald Trump. Dezer Development, his real estate company, has partnered with Trump on multiple residential tower projects in Miami. Dezer and his father have donated over $1.3 million to Trump’s presidential campaigns. Dezer claims he was unaware of the passengers or the purpose of the flights when his jet was chartered through a third-party company.
US Government Stance and Lack of Transparency
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to answer specific questions about the deportation flights, stating that individuals found to be in the country illegally “are going to be removed.” The department of state offered a similarly vague response, emphasizing coordination with DHS on repatriation efforts. Israeli authorities also declined to comment on their involvement.
What Does This Mean for Airport Security and Oversight?
This incident raises critical questions about the level of scrutiny applied to private jets utilizing Irish airports. While the Department of Transport asserts that technical stops don’t require prior authorization, the nature of these flights – involving deportations and potential human rights concerns – suggests a need for greater transparency and oversight. Under Irish law, the transit of weapons requires authorization and the Department of Transport confirmed no such authorization was sought for these flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Shannon Airport in these flights?
Shannon Airport was used as a refueling stop on flights transporting Palestinian men from the US to the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Who owns the jet used for these deportations?
The jet is owned by Gil Dezer, a property tycoon and long-time business partner of Donald Trump.
What is the Irish government’s response?
The Department of Transport stated that technical stops do not require prior authorization, but opposition politicians are demanding further investigation and action.
Did Gil Dezer know the purpose of the flights?
Dezer claims he was unaware of the passengers or the purpose of the flights, stating his jet was chartered through a third party.
Is this legal under Irish law?
The legality is being questioned by opposition politicians, and the Department of Transport confirmed no authorization was sought for the flights.
Pro Tip: Always check the passenger manifest and purpose of flights before granting landing permission, especially for private jets.
Did you know? Shannon Airport has a long history of being used for stopovers by US military and government aircraft.
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