Hendrick Automotive Group signed a $2.25 million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in August.
The story was first reported by the Washington Post with a follow-up report this week by television station WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 done similar government contracts for years and for several political parties.
“Earlier this year, we sold 25 standard Chevrolet Tahoes to the federal government,” the release said. “The vehicles have not been modified and we have made the commercial sale. We do not participate in or control how agencies equip, mark or use the vehicles after purchase.”
Hendrick Automotive won the contract based on its ability to immediately produce the inventory needed by ICE in accordance with the contract between the two.
“The agency’s service needs are so urgent and compelling that full and open competition would cause unacceptable delays and seriously hamper the government’s recruitment initiative.
“The urgency is warranted as these vehicles must be deployed immediately to the streets to provide a visible law enforcement presence, support public safety operations, and enhance recruiting efforts.”
This is a timely story as ICE launched a border patrol and enforcement operation within the state and in the Charlotte area this weekend. It is unclear whether cars purchased from Hendrick Automotive Group were used in the operation.
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