Hendrick Automotive Group inked a $2.25 million contract with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in August.
The story was first reported by The Washington Post with a follow-up report this week by Charlotte, North Carolina television station WBTV. According to the contract, the agreement was for the sale of 25 Chevrolet Tahoes.
Hendrick Automotive Group is owned by NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick. In a statement provided to WBTV, Hendrick Automotive said it has entered into similar government contracts for years and for multiple political parties.
“Earlier this year, we sold 25 standard Chevrolet Tahoes to the federal government,” the statement read. “The vehicles were unmodified, and we fulfilled the commercial sale. We do not participate in or control how agencies equip, brand, or use vehicles after purchase.”
Hendrick Automotive earned the contract due to its ability to immediately produce the inventory needed by ICE according to the contract between the two.
“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.
“Urgency is warranted as these vehicles must be deployed to the streets immediately to provide a visible law enforcement presence, support public safety operations, and reinforce recruitment efforts.”
This is a topical story because ICE began a border patrol and enforcement operation within the state and in the Charlotte area over the weekend. It is not clear if the cars purchased from Hendrick Automotive Group were used in the operation.
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