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The secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security reportedly approved the purchase of Spirit Airline aircraft before learning that the carrier did not actually own the aircraft – and that the aircraft lacked engines.

This strange incident was contained in a investigation published on Friday, which recounted how the secretary and a ex- political strategist had recently arranged to buy 10 Boeing 737 aircraft from Spirit Airlines. Sources with knowledge told the paper that the pair intended to use the jets to expand removal flights – and for private use.

Those insiders also claimed that ICE agents had warned them that purchasing aircraft would be far more expensive than simply increasing current charter agreements.

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

Complicating matters further, Spirit, which entered bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in August, did not own the aircraft and their power plants would have had to be acquired separately. The proposal has since been halted, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the House appropriations committee said in the autumn that during this season's historically lengthy federal shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security had already acquired two Gulfstream aircraft for $200 million.

“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the US Coast Guard entered into a single-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to acquire two new G700 luxury aircraft to support travel for the secretary and the deputy, at a expense to the taxpayer of $200 million,” Democratic representatives wrote in a communication to the department.

A department representative told the Journal that parts of its reporting about the plane purchases were incorrect but declined to offer additional clarification.

The legislature had earlier approved the so-called “major immigration bill” in July, which dedicates roughly $170bn for immigration and border security operations, a amount that makes Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most heavily funded federal agency in the US government.

In September, it was reported that the administration was transporting immigrants held as part of its deportation agenda in ways that breached their constitutionally protected rights, often by plane.

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