A controversial billboard placed outside Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut has sparked a lawsuit against Avelo Airlines by aviation blogger and New Hampshire lawmaker Seth Miller. The billboard, which features a modified Avelo logo, questions the airline’s decision to operate deportation flights for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on behalf of the Trump administration.

Miller, who paid for the billboards, believes he has the right to express his objections to Avelo’s business actions, just as the airline has the right to advertise their business. Avelo, however, sent Miller a cease and desist letter claiming that he had violated their trademark and caused consumer confusion. The billboard was subsequently removed by the billboard operator, Lamar Advertising.

In response, Miller has filed a lawsuit against Avelo in Nevada, where the airline is incorporated, seeking affirmation of his freedom of speech. He is concerned about the lack of due process and use of shackles for deportees on these flights.

Avelo has defended their decision to operate deportation flights, stating that it is necessary for their bottom line and began under President Joe Biden. However, Miller argues that this contract was signed after it was known that deportees were being sent to the wrong countries without proper hearings.

Miller’s lawsuit has received support from many, including his attorney who believes that Avelo is using baseless threats of litigation to silence him. The ICE spokesperson has dismissed the billboard as a tactic to abolish ICE by proxy, but Miller believes it is a matter of free speech.

While free speech rights do not apply on private platforms like blogs, Miller’s lawyer argues that it is a constitutional protection in the public square. Miller hopes to prevail in his lawsuit and bring back the billboards, stating that it is a matter of principle.

The controversy surrounding Avelo’s decision to operate deportation flights highlights the ongoing debate about immigration and the actions of the Trump administration. However, regardless of personal opinions, it is important to recognize and protect the right to freedom of speech. The answer to speech is more speech, and Miller’s lawsuit aims to uphold this fundamental right.