A charter plane reportedly linked to US immigration enforcement became the centre of a medical emergency in Florida after several people were hospitalised during a sweltering ordeal on the tarmac.

Emergency crews rushed to Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on Thursday after multiple people aboard a Global X aircraft became ill in what officials described as a heat-related incident.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to reports of passengers suffering medical issues aboard the grounded aircraft after an apparent air-conditioning failure turned conditions inside the plane dangerously hot.

Four people were taken to hospital for treatment.

People reported emergency vehicles surrounded the Global X-branded aircraft as first responders worked on the tarmac. Some people were reportedly removed from the plane on stretchers while others were assisted from the aircraft before being transferred to another flight.

The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny because of the aircraft’s connection to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department confirmed the air-conditioning malfunction occurred aboard a Global X charter flight, an airline frequently contracted by ICE and regularly used for deportation and immigration enforcement operations.

Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport is also commonly used for immigration-related flights.

Authorities have not confirmed whether Thursday’s flight was being used for deportation purposes or whether those onboard included detainees, crew members or standard passengers.

However, the presence of an ICE vehicle at the scene and the aircraft’s known role in immigration operations quickly fuelled questions online about the nature of the flight.

The aircraft had been scheduled to travel to Alexandria, Louisiana.

The unfolding emergency triggered a significant response involving Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and ICE personnel, according to local authorities.

Officials have released limited information about the conditions suffered by those hospitalised, while immigration authorities said they were reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The disruption stretched well beyond the medical response.

Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft remained delayed for more than five hours before eventually departing Miami at 6.40pm local time.