The recent tax and spending bill passed by Congress on Thursday marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, as it will triple federal funding for immigrant detention centers. This decision sets the stage for a rapid expansion of these facilities, raising concerns regarding the treatment of an increasing number of immigrant detainees. Congress has allocated a staggering $45 billion for immigrant detention over the next four years, a figure that surpasses the total spending on detention during the administrations of Obama, Biden, and the first Trump administration combined, according to federal data.
In addition to the funding for detention centers, the bill includes $46.5 billion for constructing the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and $6 billion for border technology and surveillance. This comprehensive approach to border security signifies the most substantial investment in a border immigration agenda in U.S. history. Lauren-Brooke Eisen, a senior director at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University’s School of Law, emphasized the enormity of this funding, stating, "We are seeing a wholesale expansion of ICE detention centers."
Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have announced plans to utilize this funding to nearly double the nation’s detention capacity to 100,000 beds. This expansion aims to enhance their ability to arrest undocumented immigrants who are targeted for deportation. Recent statistics reveal that the average daily population of ICE detainees surged to 56,000 last month, marking the highest number since the agency began tracking these figures during the first Trump administration. Administration officials have admitted that the increasing number of immigrant detainees has sometimes exceeded their capacity to accommodate them.
Supporters of the bill, such as Rep. Addison McDowell (R-North Carolina), argue that this funding will enhance community safety. "This bill will make our communities safer by making a historic investment in our border security," he stated on the House floor. "No more dangerous illegal aliens parading around with no consequences." Furthermore, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, indicated that the funding would enable ICE to hire 80,000 new detention beds and 10,000 new ICE agents, asserting that these resources are crucial for securing the homeland and ensuring public safety.
The U.S. immigrant detention system, which is the largest globally, has evolved over the past four decades to hold undocumented immigrants while their asylum claims or deportation cases are processed. This network consists largely of private detention centers and county jails contracted by ICE. Historically, the detainee population has included border crossers deemed a flight risk or migrants facing criminal charges. However, recent trends indicate a shift in this demographic; as of June, about one-third of ICE detainees had never faced criminal charges, with arrests of individuals without criminal histories increasing.
In recent months, ICE has awarded new or expanded contracts to at least nine facilities operated by the two largest detention contractors, Geo Group and CoreCivic. These companies have indicated that they could repurpose at least 14 additional unused prisons to accommodate thousands of new detainees across various states. However, immigrant rights advocates are urging the government to reconsider awarding contracts to these companies, citing concerns over inadequate living conditions and medical care for detainees.
Protests have erupted in recent weeks, where immigrants have voiced grievances regarding insufficient access to food and water at facilities owned by Geo Group. Detainees at a CoreCivic facility in New Mexico reported being deprived of flushing toilets for days. In response, CoreCivic defended its facilities, claiming they adhere to federal standards and provide necessary meals and medical care. Meanwhile, Geo Group asserted that its centers are never overcrowded and comply with ICE detention standards.
Tragically, at least 10 immigrants died in ICE custody during the first half of this year, a number that exceeds any annual total since 2020. Despite these alarming statistics, the shares of Geo Group and CoreCivic rose by approximately 3 percent following the passage of the funding bill, as investors anticipated a surge in government contracts. Executives from Geo Group have suggested that this influx of contracts could boost annual revenue by over 40 percent and profits by more than 60 percent.
ICE has indicated plans to explore unconventional vendors to meet its detention goals. Recently, the agency published a list of over 40 contractors approved for an "emergency acquisition" process to expedite contract awards. This list includes providers of tent structures, such as Deployed Resources, which received $3.8 billion to construct a migrant detention center at the Fort Bliss military base in Texas. While concerns persist about the living conditions in temporary tent facilities, the Trump administration has supported these structures for their flexibility and adaptability in addressing detention needs.
As the landscape of U.S. immigration policy continues to evolve, the implications of this substantial investment in immigrant detention facilities will likely resonate across communities and advocacy groups for years to come.
