Traverse Indivisible CHALLENGE AVELO AIRLINES’ ICE CONTRACT 

Note this is a Traverse Indivisible event, not GTDems

CITIZENS TO CHALLENGE AVELO AIRLINES’ ICE CONTRACT 

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – As part of a national day of action, organized by the Coalition to Stop Avelo, community members from Traverse Indivisible and Leelanau Indivisible will gather on Saturday, August 23, to call for a boycott of Avelo Airlines due to its controversial $150 million contract to operate ICE detention flights. The demonstration will take place at the entrance of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).

Organizers emphasize that this is a pro-community, pro-airport demonstration that seeks to protect the values of the Grand Traverse region. Demonstrators say they are taking a stand against Avelo's complicity in a system that separates families and undermines the rule of law. 

“Authoritarianism is built on a foundation of cruel policies and corporate complicity, and Avelo Airlines' contract to fly ICE detention flights is a direct example of this,” said Leif Kolt, Traverse Indivisible Communications Team Lead. “This isn’t just a protest against an airline; it’s a stand against a system that enables authoritarianism to thrive. By spotlighting Avelo’s complicity, we hope to bring greater public recognition of this injustice and to pressure Avelo to do the right thing and stop these flights.”The protest comes amidst increasing local scrutiny of the airport’s relationship with Avelo. In public meetings, community members have voiced objections to Avelo's operation at TVC, citing the airline’s role in a system that critics say is ignoring the right to due process. To ensure a safe and well-organized event, organizers are strongly encouraging all participants to register in advance athttps://www.mobilize.us/traverseindivisible/event/826853/. Due to the nature of protesting at the airport entrance, registration is essential for logistics and to ensure a safe gathering for all.

“Our community is proud of our local airport and committed to economic growth in the Grand Traverse region,” Kolt continued. “But we cannot stand by while Avelo Airlines facilitates a system that is morally reprehensible and undermines human dignity. Cherry Capital Airport, our community, and our values deserve better than to be tied to an enterprise that inflicts fear and separates families.”

Organizers are encouraging protestors to bring signs and banners with messages such as "Boycott Avelo," "Stop Avelo's ICE Flights," and "No ICE at TVC." The event is committed to peaceful, non-violent protest, and will have a dedicated Peace and Safety Team on site.

EVENT DETAILS:

• WHAT: Protest against Avelo Airlines' ICE flights as part of a national day of action.

• WHEN: Saturday, August 23, Noon to 2:00 PM.

• WHERE: Entrance to TVC Cherry Capital Airport, 727 Fly Don't Drive, on the bike/walking path.

• LOGISTICS: Participants are strongly encouraged to register at https://www.mobilize.us/traverseindivisible/event/826853/. For the respect of Costco and its customers, protestors are asked to only park in the designated areas of the Costco lot. A map of the protest and parking areas can be accessed at https://traverseindivisible.org/08232025.

• VISUALS: Protestors with signs, banners, and noisemakers. Spokesperson available for interviews.

About Traverse Indivisible Traverse Indivisible is a broad coalition that works to build community, preserve democracy, and create a responsive, accountable government for all. We are a 100% volunteer based grassroots organization committed to civic engagement, promoting democracy, and advocating for people-focused values in the Grand Traverse region.

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Leif Kolt

Traverse Indivisible

Comms Team Lead

signal:leifkolt.81

email: comms@traverseindivisible.org