U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly considering significant cuts to its detention operations due to a pressing budget shortfall. This development follows the unsuccessful passage of a Senate border bill that would have provided necessary funds to the agency.
According to four officials from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, plans are being drawn up to release thousands of immigrants currently held in detention. The failure to secure $6 billion in supplemental funding through the bipartisan border bill—opposed by Republican lawmakers last week—has prompted ICE to explore internal proposals aimed at reducing expenses. These include a dramatic reduction in detention levels, cutting capacity from 38,000 beds to just 22,000.
This strategy stands in stark contrast to the enforcement escalation called for by Republicans. The financial dilemma and resulting proposal pose a significant challenge for the Biden administration, particularly as illegal crossings at the southern border are anticipated to surge in the spring. The issue of immigration and border management has been a point of contention for President Biden, currently marking his lowest approval ratings in polls.
Further complicating matters, House Republicans voted on Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of border security. This move signals the growing political tension surrounding immigration policies.
In an effort to mitigate ICE’s financial strain, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may consider reallocating funds from other agencies, such as the Coast Guard or the Transportation Security Administration. However, such measures are often met with controversy. Officials note the $700 million deficit represents one of the largest budgetary shortfalls ICE has encountered in recent memory.
Erin Heeter, a DHS spokesperson, said Congress has “chronically underfunded” the department’s “vital missions on the southwest border.”
“Most recently, Congress rejected the bipartisan national security bill out of hand, which will put at risk DHS’s current removal operations,” Heeter said in a statement. “A reduction in ICE operations would significantly harm border security, national security, and public safety.”
