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The head of the US Department of Homeland Security reportedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airline jets before learning that the carrier did not actually own the planes – and that the planes were missing engines.

This bizarre incident was contained in a investigation released on Friday, which recounted how the secretary and a former political strategist had recently arranged to purchase 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from the airline. Sources with knowledge told the paper that the pair planned to use the jets to expand deportation flights – and for personal travel.

Those sources also stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials had cautioned them that purchasing aircraft would be far more expensive than simply increasing current charter agreements.

ICE facing intense criticism after footage reportedly shows unconscious man clutching child during detention.

Making the situation more complex, the airline, which entered bankruptcy protection for the second time in the summer, did not possess the aircraft and their engines would have had to be acquired separately. The plan has since been paused, according to the investigation.

In the interim, Democratic lawmakers on the House funding panel said in the autumn that during this fall's historically lengthy government 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 US Coast Guard signed a single-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury aircraft to facilitate travel for the secretary and the deputy, at a cost to the public of $200 million,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to the department.

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

The legislature had earlier authorized the termed “major immigration bill” in July, which dedicates roughly $170 billion for immigration and border security operations, a amount that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most heavily funded law enforcement agency in the US government.

In September, it was reported that the government was moving individuals detained as part of its removal program in ways that violated their constitutionally protected rights, often by plane.

Leaked data reviewed from private airline Global Crossing outlined the journeys of thousands of individuals who have been shuttled around the nation before deportation.