ICE says it will needs massive funding hike, tens of thousands more beds to implement Laken Riley Act
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has informed lawmakers that the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration, is projected to cost an additional $3 billion. This is due to the agency requiring an extra 60,000 detention beds to accommodate the new requirements set forth in the legislation.
The Laken Riley Act, which is expected to reach President-elect Trump’s desk soon, mandates that DHS detain illegal immigrants who have been arrested for theft-related crimes. It also allows states to sue DHS for alleged failures in enforcing immigration law. The bill is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia student who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela last year. It has garnered support from both Republicans and some Democrats.
In response to inquiries from Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., ICE stated that it has identified tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who meet the criteria for arrest, both on its detained and non-detained dockets. The agency estimates that there are over 60,000 individuals on its national docket who meet the criteria outlined in the Laken Riley Act.
ICE emphasized that it currently possesses the authority to fulfill the requirements of the Act without needing additional authorities. However, it warned that failing to secure the additional bed space required could result in the release of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants, potentially posing a threat to public safety.
To meet the increased detention capacity demands, ICE estimates that it would need an additional $3.2 billion in funding. The agency also anticipates the need for 10 new Mobile Crisis Assistance Teams (MCAT) and a HQ law enforcement officer across eight field offices, requiring an additional nearly $15 million along with associated equipment.
ICE has previously highlighted its underfunded status in its FY 24 report, noting that it has been tasked with more responsibilities without adequate funding. The agency has been working diligently within strained resources and competing priorities to support the Department of Homeland Security and its component agencies in securing the border.
President-elect Trump has pledged to launch a mass deportation operation, with ICE playing a crucial role in the enforcement efforts. Republicans in Congress are gearing up for significant funding changes through the budget reconciliation process, with a focus on bolstering border security and interior enforcement.
As ICE braces for the implementation of the Laken Riley Act, it underscores the importance of securing additional funding to uphold its enforcement obligations and safeguard public safety.
