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The head of the United States Department of Homeland Security reportedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airlines jets before learning that the carrier did not actually own the aircraft – and that the aircraft lacked engines.

This strange incident was detailed in a investigation released on the end of the week, which recounted how the official and a ex- campaign manager had recently arranged to purchase ten Boeing 737 planes from Spirit Airlines. People familiar with the situation informed the outlet that the pair planned to use the planes to increase removal flights – and for personal travel.

Those sources also claimed that ICE agents had cautioned them that buying planes would be far more expensive than simply increasing current charter agreements.

Immigration officials confronting intense criticism after video reportedly shows unresponsive individual holding infant during arrest.

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

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in the autumn that during this fall's historically lengthy government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already purchased 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 contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to support travel for the secretary and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200m,” Democratic representatives wrote in a communication to the DHS.

A department representative informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the plane purchases were incorrect but declined to provide further details.

The legislature had previously approved the so-called “major immigration bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170bn for immigration and border security operations, a sum that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most heavily funded federal agency in the federal government.

In the autumn, it was revealed that the government was transporting individuals detained as part of its deportation agenda in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by plane.

Leaked data reviewed from private airline Global Crossing outlined the journeys of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the nation before removal.