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The secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security reportedly authorized the acquisition of Spirit Airlines jets before learning that the airline did not actually own the planes – and that the planes were missing engines.

This bizarre incident was detailed in a report published on the end of the week, which described how the official and a ex- campaign manager had recently attempted to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge informed the outlet that the two intended to use the jets to expand removal flights – and for private use.

Those insiders also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had cautioned them that buying planes would be far more expensive than simply expanding current charter agreements.

Immigration officials facing fierce backlash after video reportedly shows unresponsive individual holding infant during arrest.

Complicating matters further, Spirit, which filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in the summer, did not possess the jets and their engines would have had to be acquired separately. The proposal has since been paused, according to the investigation.

In the interim, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in October that during this fall's record-long government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already purchased two Gulfstream jets for $200 million.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a federal shutdown, the United States Coast Guard entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to support travel for the secretary and the deputy secretary, at a cost to the public of $200m,” Democratic representatives wrote in a communication to the DHS.

A department representative informed the outlet that parts of its reporting about the aircraft acquisitions were inaccurate but refused to offer further details.

The legislature had earlier authorized the termed “major immigration bill” in July, which allocates roughly $170bn for immigration and border-related operations, a sum that makes ICE the most well-funded law enforcement agency in the US government.

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

Confidential information examined from private airline GlobalX detailed the travels of tens of thousands of immigrants who have been transported around the nation before removal.