New Delhi, Feb. 21 -- The Department of Homeland Security is exploring the purchase of a luxury jet for deportation missions and Cabinet travel, according to a report.

The aircraft - a Boeing 737 Max 8 - will be used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation flights and by senior officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, for official travel, NBC News said.

ICE has asked the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a $70 million purchase of the aircraft, the news outlet reported, citing two DHS officials involved in the request.

According to the outlet, ICE told OMB the jet would serve dual purposes: transporting deportees and facilitating travel for Cabinet-level officials.

The jet reportedly includes ...