On Dec. 15, the Denver City Council rejected a contract between Key Lime Air and Denver International Airport, citing the business’ contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to transport detainees.
Key Lime Air, a local airline based in Englewood, began contracting with ICE to transport immigrant detainees in October as ICE ramped up its number of flights, particularly domestically. Critics have said relocating undocumented immigrants within the country separates people from their families and lawyers, and that the conditions on ICE-contracted flights are “inhumane.” Immigrants are typically flown in shackles and, in some cases, have been placed in full-body restraint suits for up to 16 hours. Denver’s decision not to renew the contract comes as CU Boulder Athletics has signaled it does not plan to cancel or modify its contract with Key Lime Air, Boulder Reporting Lab previously reported.
CU Athletics has contracted with Key Lime Air for some men’s and women’s basketball travel since 2011. University spokesperson Steve Hurlbert has said the university does not look into contractors’ other business relationships, and that its current contract with Key Lime Air “is in effect with the university through 2029.”
But CU Boulder can terminate its contract with Key Lime Air “at any time without cause,” with 30 days’ notice, according to the university’s contract with the airline, first obtained by Sko Buffs Sports reporter Lincoln Roch. The contract is also not exclusive — it states the university can contract with other businesses for the same services.
The contract is with a subsidiary of Key Lime Air called Denver Air Connection, which has provided transportation for CU Athletics “for over 15 years.” During the 2023-24 season, the university spent about $267,000 on its services.
In Denver, the city council’s vote not to contract with Key Lime Air could cost Denver International Airport $90 million in Federal Aviation Administration grant money, because FAA grants require airports to treat all airlines the same. The airport’s overall budget is about $2 billion.
Eleven of the 13 council members voted to reject the lease, with one absent and one voting no.
“We have to send a message, and we have to push back in any way we can, because what is happening is absolutely horrible to our community,” said Councilmember Flor Alvidrez, according to The Colorado Sun.