In a seismic shift for immigration enforcement, ICE’s budget now surpasses the FBI’s, with the capability to deport up to one million individuals annually.
At a Glance
- ICE’s budget has skyrocketed to over $25 billion per year, surpassing the FBI.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act empowers ICE with unprecedented deportation capabilities.
- President Trump’s administration prioritizes immigration enforcement and border security.
- ICE plans to expand its workforce and detention facilities significantly.
ICE’s Unprecedented Funding Surge
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, has catapulted ICE’s budget to an unprecedented $25 billion annually. This financial windfall makes ICE the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency, even surpassing the FBI’s $11.3 billion request for the fiscal year 2025. This monumental increase underscores the administration’s commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement and border fortification.
ICE’s newfound financial clout empowers the agency to deport up to one million individuals annually, a move that aligns with President Trump’s campaign promises to ramp up deportations and secure the southern border. The bill’s passage represents a significant victory for those advocating for stricter immigration controls and law-and-order priorities.
Expansion of Workforce and Facilities
With this infusion of cash, ICE is set to undergo a massive expansion of its workforce and detention facilities. Plans are in place to hire 10,000 new agents and support personnel, increasing the workforce by 50% to a total of 30,000. The agency is also boosting its detention capacity to over 100,000 beds, with $45 billion allocated for new facilities and services. This expansion includes family detention and the use of military bases, a move that has sparked controversy among immigrant advocacy groups.
Contracts are being negotiated with private prison companies and other contractors to accommodate this growth, which includes constructing new facilities and providing security, medical care, and transportation. The move is expected to inject significant funds into private prison operators and construction firms, although it raises ethical concerns and legal challenges regarding the detention of families and children.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The dramatic increase in ICE’s capabilities is causing ripples of fear and anxiety within immigrant communities. Advocacy groups warn of humanitarian and due process concerns, especially as the agency ramps up arrests, detentions, and deportations. Immigrant families, particularly those with mixed status or pending asylum claims, are likely to face increased scrutiny and potential separation.
The bill’s potential conflicts with existing court settlements like the Flores Settlement Agreement, which limits the detention of children, could lead to legal challenges. Critics argue that the bill undermines civil liberties and humanitarian standards, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. The economic implications are also a point of contention, with potential labor shortages in industries reliant on immigrant workers and increased federal spending on enforcement.
Broader Implications and Expert Opinions
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act represents a structural shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, positioning ICE and CBP to operate at an unprecedented scale. Supporters argue the bill is essential for national security and restoring order at the border, while critics contend it destabilizes communities and violates humanitarian norms.
Expert opinions are divided. The Migration Policy Institute describes the bill as a ‘supercharging’ of immigration enforcement, while the National Immigration Law Center warns of destabilizing effects on communities and risks to due process. Legal scholars highlight potential conflicts with international human rights norms, and economists caution against the bill’s economic ripple effects.
Sources:
National Immigration Law Center
