(NewsNation) — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use increased funding to buy, own and operate its own fleet of airplanes to deport immigrants.

Department of Homeland Security sources confirm to NewsNation that Noem is pushing to use billions in new funding to buy planes outright — a move which would end years of hiring charter companies to deport immigrants.

ICE currently rents between eight and 14 planes at a time — enough to deport about 15,000 people per month. The goal, according to ICE officials, is to double that figure to 30-35,000 removals per month. ICE estimates it would need about 30 plans to replace its current charter system.

In total, the fleet could cost upwards of $12 billion. President Donald Trump and the Republi

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