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The head of the US Department of Homeland Security reportedly approved the acquisition of Spirit Airlines aircraft before learning that the airline did not truly possess the planes – and that the aircraft lacked engines.

This bizarre anecdote was detailed in a investigation released on Friday, which described how the secretary and a former campaign manager had recently arranged to buy 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the jets to increase deportation flights – and for private use.

Those sources also claimed that ICE officials had cautioned them that buying planes would be significantly costlier than simply expanding current charter agreements.

Immigration officials confronting intense criticism after video reportedly shows unconscious man clutching child during detention.

Making the situation more complex, the airline, which filed for bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in August, did not own the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be acquired independently. The proposal has since been halted, according to the investigation.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House funding panel said in the autumn that during this fall's record-long federal shutdown, the DHS had already acquired two Gulfstream jets for $200m.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard signed a single-source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for you and the deputy secretary, at a cost to the public of $200m,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to the department.

A department representative informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were incorrect but refused to provide additional clarification.

Congress had earlier approved the so-called “big, beautiful bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170bn for immigration and border-related operations, a sum that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.

In the autumn, it was revealed that the government was moving immigrants held as part of its removal program in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by air.

Confidential information reviewed from charter airline Global Crossing outlined the journeys of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the country before deportation.