Revealed: Inside the Covert Operation to Remove Palestinians from America
In a series of clandestine operations over the last three weeks, the Trump administration has used private aircraft linked to a major donor to deport handcuffed Palestinians directly to Ben Gurion Airport.
The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement has taken a dramatic and covert turn with the recent deportation of illegal Palestinian immigrants directly to Israel on private flights. Reports have surfaced indicating that at least two secret missions have landed at Ben Gurion Airport within the last three weeks, carrying handcuffed individuals who were then transferred to Judea and Samaria. These operations, conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), mark a significant escalation in the White House’s promise to remove those without legal status. The use of a private jet belonging to a high profile Israeli American real estate developer, who is also a major campaign donor, has added a layer of political intrigue to an already intense enforcement effort that leaves no room for negotiation.
The Secret Journey to Ben Gurion
The first of these clandestine flights originated in Arizona on January 21, making strategic stops in New Jersey, Ireland, and Bulgaria before arriving in Israel. On board were eight Palestinian men, all in handcuffs, who had been detained by ICE. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion, Israeli authorities took custody of the men, who were reportedly still wearing American prison uniforms. They were transported to a checkpoint in Judea and Samaria and released with their meager belongings held in plastic bags. A second flight followed a similar pattern last Monday, further confirming that this is now an established pipeline for removals.
Among those deported was 24 year old Maher Awad, a native of Judea and Samaria who had lived in the United States for nearly a decade. Awad’s case highlights the rigid nature of the new policy; he was reportedly taken into custody after calling the police himself to report a burglary at his home. Despite having a partner and a child in America, he was processed for immediate removal. The State Department has remained firm on the legality of these actions, stating that "if a judge determined that an illegal immigrant has no right to be in this country, we will deport him. Period."
The Dezer Development Connection
The aircraft used in these missions has been identified as belonging to Dezer Development, a real estate firm founded by Michael Dezer and managed by his son, Gil. The Dezer family has a long standing business relationship with President Trump, having collaborated on six luxury residential towers in Miami since the early 2000s. Official records show the family has contributed over $1.3 million to Trump’s presidential campaigns. While Michael Dezer acknowledged the plane was used, he clarified in an email that it was chartered privately by a company called Journey. He claimed he was "never involved in or aware of the names" of the passengers and only receives notification regarding the dates the aircraft is in use.
This enforcement surge comes directly from White House directives to increase the frequency of raids and expedite the removal of illegal immigrants. By utilizing private charters rather than commercial flights, the administration is able to maintain a high level of secrecy and speed. As these flights continue to land in Israel, it is clear that the "soft" approach to immigration has been replaced by a logistical machine designed to deliver expellees directly to regional checkpoints, regardless of their family ties or time spent in the United States.