Denver Council Denies Airport Lease to ICE Contractor Key Lime Air
The Denver City Council has rejected a significant lease agreement between Key Lime Air and Denver International Airport. The rejection stems from concerns regarding the airline’s involvement in transporting detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Lease Rejection Details
The proposed contract aimed to grant Key Lime Air 1,200 square feet of space on the south cargo apron. This area would have been used for housing snow removal equipment, employee parking, and office trailers. Despite the council’s decision, Key Lime Air’s ongoing operations at the airport remain unaffected.
Council Voting Outcomes
In a decisive vote, 11 out of 13 council members opposed the lease, with Councilman Kevin Flynn being the sole supporter. One member who participated via Zoom did not share a vote and was marked absent.
Concerns Over Federal Funding
The lease’s denial raised alarms about potential repercussions, particularly regarding $90 million in federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to Councilwoman Sarah Parady, the city is bound by regulations that prevent discriminatory practices against airlines, which could jeopardize this funding.
Community Response
Community outrage has intensified against Key Lime Air. Recent reports indicated that two of the airline’s planes flew 83 ICE-related missions in September alone. Protests occurred at the airline’s headquarters and the University of Colorado Boulder, which contracts Key Lime for its athletics.
Further Actions Planned
- Protests will continue, with another demonstration scheduled in Pueblo.
- Location for Pueblo protest: Walgreens, 1520 W. 4th St.
Key Lime Air’s Background
Key Lime Air has been operating out of Denver International Airport since 2006, currently managing a cargo feeder service for UPS and passenger services for Denver Air Connection. Despite the setback with the lease, the airline retains access to shared storage areas at the airport.
Council Opinions
Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez expressed her concerns with the lease, stating, “We have to send a message and push back.” Her sentiments reflect a broader community sentiment regarding the airline’s collaborations with ICE and the implications for local residents.
As discussions around this issue continue, the city’s airport, with a budget close to $2 billion, operates independently from municipal funds, funded mainly through user fees. The long-term impacts of the council’s decision on funding and operations at Denver International Airport remain to be seen.
