ICE Deportation Flights Move from Hanscom to Portsmouth, Prompting Continued Protest

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights are no longer taking off from Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts. Instead, they are now being flown out of Portsmouth International Airport at Pease in New Hampshire, according to a state police officer who spoke with protesters on Saturday, July 20.

Around 30 people gathered near Hanscom Field to protest Signature Aviation, the company that used to service ICE flights at the airport. Signature is a global business that helps planes with things like refueling, de-icing, and providing stairs for passengers to board. Protesters say that by working with ICE flights, the company was making money off deporting immigrants.

“The least we can do is say that Signature Aviation should not be profiting from fueling the jets that carry detainees all over the country,” said Stephan Bader, a Concord resident at the protest.

The officer told protesters that the last ICE flight left Hanscom on July 13, and now the flights are using the Portsmouth airport instead. He also offered them water bottles as the temperature climbed above 90 degrees.

Even though ICE flights have moved, protesters say they still plan to keep raising awareness and may even follow the flights to Portsmouth. “We’re at a turning point. We have to keep fighting right now, all the time,” said Keith Olcott, a protester from Maynard.

Many of the protesters are longtime activists. Some have been demonstrating since the Vietnam War, including Olcott and Bader. They are especially concerned about how immigrants are treated, pointing to public‑records data showing that from January through May the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office escorted 545 ICE detainees to Hanscom Field, where they were flown to distant detention centers—often making it difficult for families to stay in touch or access legal help. They say the government needs to follow the law and respect basic human rights.

“Immigrants are human beings like all the rest of us. They are just as valuable and deserve total respect,” said Fred Langenegger, a Lexington resident who held a sign that said “due process for all immigrants.”

Protesters also said that companies and businesses should be held responsible if they help with deportations. “It’s difficult to hold politicians accountable, but I think a company like Signature might wish this won’t be what they’re known for,” said Barbara Katzenberg, a Lexington Town Meeting member.

While most drivers who passed by showed support with honks and thumbs-up, a few made negative comments. Still, the protesters said they’re not bothered and will keep going.

“We don’t have to just sit passively in fear on our couches,” said Langenegger. “We can come together… and if enough of us get together, we can compel our government to actually do the right thing.”