President Donald Trump's administration is focusing on ramping up immigration detention capacity to fulfill his promises of mass deportations and combat illegal immigration. With an estimated 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) currently has funding for only 41,000 detention beds.
To achieve Trump's goals, additional detention space is required, with a daily cost of approximately $165 per bed for one adult. A bill known as the Laken Riley Act, recently passed by Congress, would necessitate $26.9 billion to add 110,000 beds at immigrant detention facilities.
In addition to expanding detention capacity, Trump is deploying troops to prevent illegal entry at the southern border and utilizing the Alien Enemies Act to combat cartels, allowing for the deportation of non-U.S. citizens from certain countries.
ICE currently detains immigrants at processing centers, privately operated facilities, and local prisons under contracts. With a focus on ending the 'catch and release' practice, ICE is looking to detain more individuals, including families, necessitating potential construction of new facilities.
Private investors are anticipating a surge in detention facility construction, leading to increased stock prices for major detention providers. Congress may expedite detention funding through 'reconciliation,' while the Pentagon could offer support for air transportation and detention space.
ICE is considering expanding detention space across multiple states, potentially repurposing existing facilities and establishing new ones. Advocates are concerned about the militarization of immigration enforcement and the impact on military readiness.
Under Trump's administration, military bases have been used to detain immigrant children, raising questions about compliance with federal care standards. The history of using military bases for immigrant resettlement dates back to the 1970s, involving various refugee crises.
