Denver City Council rejects Key Lime Air expansion

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's tactics have sparked legal challenges and come under scrutiny.

The big picture: Centennial-based Key Lime Air sought an additional 1,200 square feet of ground space at Denver International Airport for storing snow equipment and employee parking, city documents show.

• Council voted 11-1 to reject the proposed expansion. Councilmember Kevin Flynn was the lone supporter; he backed it because he said it would ensure the company would pay to use extra space.

Yes, but: While the decision marks a political victory for immigrant rights groups who called on the council to reject the proposal, it won't stop these kinds of flights, Councilmember Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez said.

State of play: Key Lime Air is contracted by federal immigration authorities to carry out deportation flights, but the company has not carried out flights for ICE from the state, CBS Colorado reports.

• The airline has operated out of DIA since at least 2006, senior vice president of airline and commercial affairs at DIA George Karayiannakis told the council.

What they're saying: "I have no interest in supporting this deportation machine," Councilmember Sarah Parady said.

• Key Lime Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By the numbers: The airline made at least 162 flights charted by ICE last month, per a recent Human Rights First flight monitor report.

• The nonprofit has tracked a spike in deportation flights out of Colorado this year. Most Denver-based flights are carried out by Avelo Airlines, per CBS Colorado.