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The secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security allegedly approved the purchase of Spirit Airlines jets before discovering that the airline did not truly possess the aircraft – and that the planes were missing engines.

This bizarre anecdote was contained in a investigation published on Friday, which recounted how the secretary and a ex- campaign manager had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. People familiar with the situation informed the outlet that the pair planned to use the planes to expand deportation flights – and for private use.

Those sources also claimed that ICE officials had cautioned them that purchasing aircraft would be far more expensive than simply expanding current charter agreements.

ICE facing fierce backlash after footage apparently shows unresponsive individual clutching child during arrest.

Complicating matters further, the airline, which filed for bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in August, did not possess the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be acquired independently. The plan has since been halted, according to the report.

In the interim, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in October that during this fall's historically lengthy federal shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already purchased two Gulfstream aircraft for $200m.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the US Coast Guard entered into a sole source agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for you and the deputy, at a expense to the public of $200 million,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a communication to the department.

A DHS spokesperson informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were inaccurate but declined to provide further details.

Congress had previously authorized the termed “major immigration bill” in the summer, which dedicates roughly $170 billion for immigration and border security operations, a amount that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the US government.

In September, it was revealed that the government was moving individuals detained as part of its removal program in ways that breached their legal rights, often by plane.

Confidential information examined from charter airline Global Crossing detailed the travels of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the country before removal.