ICE Allocates $38.3 Billion to Expand U.S. Detention Centers, Documents Reveal

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revealed plans to allocate $38.3 billion to expand its detention centers and processing facilities. This decision comes amid an expected rise in arrests and deportations in the coming years.

Overview of ICE’s Expansion Plans

According to documents disclosed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency intends to establish eight large detention centers and 16 regional processing centers. This initiative aims to accommodate tens of thousands of immigrants slated for deportation.

• Large Detention Centers: Eight facilities will be constructed to house between 7,000 and 10,000 detainees. These centers will serve as primary locations for deportations, with an average stay of about 60 days.
• Regional Processing Centers: ICE plans to purchase and renovate 16 existing buildings. These centers will hold 1,000 to 1,500 detainees for shorter stays, averaging three to seven days.
• Turnkey Facilities: Additionally, ICE will acquire 10 operational facilities to enhance its existing capabilities.

Funding and Budgetary Changes

The detention budget for ICE has risen significantly, reaching $45 billion for FY2024, up from just $3.4 billion. The funding derives from a substantial spending package approved by Congress, which included a total of $170 billion for immigration enforcement.

This expansion is intended to meet demands resulting from the hiring of 12,000 additional agents. The facilities are projected to be operational by the end of November 2026, increasing ICE’s bed capacity to 92,600.

Impact on Immigration Enforcement

The growing number of detainees, which has surged by approximately 74% since January 2025, has prompted this expansion. Current estimates suggest that over 68,000 individuals are in ICE detention as of this month.

Under the administration of President Donald Trump, immigration enforcement has intensified, leading to increased arrests and a broader pool of individuals eligible for deportation. The current plans are expected to further bolster ICE’s capabilities, enabling the agency to detain more than 100,000 migrants at any time.

As ICE prepares to implement these changes, concerns around the implications for immigrant communities persist, especially in light of anticipated political pushback in the months leading up to the midterm elections.

Overall, ICE’s ambitious plan is set to reshape the landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement, with billions of dollars allocated towards enhancing its detention and processing infrastructure.