The U.S. government has purchased its fair share of vehicles over the years, which are used in all sorts of capacities – whether that be transporting officials from one place to another, or even fighting crime. Last year, those purchases included a number of armored Ford Expedition SUVs for the United States Department of State (DoS), which are designed to provide discreet protection for agents in a more affordable manner. Now, two Ford Mustang GT models are joining the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency for a very different reason.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the Trump administration purchased the pair of Ford Mustang GT coupes as a way to entice people to join ICE, with both being sourced from the Washington, D.C.-area Banister Ford of Marlow Heights. The organization purchased the cars for a combined total of $121,450, and didn’t shop around due to the fact that it calls this recruitment program an urgent need.
“The agency’s need for the services is so urgent and compelling that providing full and open competition would result in unacceptable delays and seriously hinder the Government’s recruiting initiative,” federal justification-and-approval documents pertaining to the purchase read. Dan Banister, owner of Banister Automotive, confirmed that both cars were delivered mere days after the request, though he didn’t know what they would be used for at first. He also noted that his dealership just so happened to have the Ford Mustang GT models spec’d precisely the way ICE wanted, which is why it went that route.
“I didn’t know it was the White House. Donald Trump didn’t call me,” Banister said. “The way they found us was, we had to register with the federal government to be a provider of vehicles. We offer government discounts. Many times, it’s a bidding process, but it looks like they were in a pinch and needed cars right away. We sell to a wide range of customers including individuals, businesses and government agencies. We don’t take any political position on who purchases a vehicle. We just want to provide a quality vehicle with professional service.”
Special lease deals offered on luxury redesigned full-size SUV.
A recall was issued just this past June addressing the problem.
With more than 600 miles of total range.
Premature wear is the culprit, causing vibrations from the front.
Nothing will be built there until 2027, however.
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Just wait until all these ICE recruitment vehicle purchases hits the mainstream press. Uh oh.
Wtf?
Well, this is one of those BS purchases that I thought only Biden was capable of. The Trump Admin. doesn't need to be throwing money away like this. This is very upsetting.
Get over it snowflake. 3.5 more years of America being cleaned up. USA. USA. USA. TRUMP POWER
It's time to top up your Kool-Aid; it seems you drank it all. Pathetic.
@ Ricky You gonna be o.k. Karen?..
Dang! Sign me up!!
I'd work for ICE part-time if they could use a 77 year old youngster. They're doing a great job. Once immigration is cleaned up, they can go to work on all the Karen's out there.