U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will run out of money before October unless the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pulls millions of dollars from other programs, as the surge of migrants at the border drives up costs, Axios reports. ICE is one of the most controversial government agencies and a target for progressives because of its role in arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants. Under President Biden, it's poised to spend more taxpayer funds than ever. About $100 million is expected to come from the Coast Guard budget, and $80 million might be made available by moving existing ICE funds internally. ICE's request for money is the largest within DHS.
The massive reprogramming plan took congressional offices by surprise. It's not clear how much of the problem stems from a low early estimate of needs at the border. The administration shifted significantly toward alternatives to detention in the face of record arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border. Roughly 300,000 migrants are currently enrolled in tracking programs. ICE had to foot the $00 million bill to restart the Remain in Mexico policy in line with court orders, though a Supreme Court ruling will allow the Biden administration to end the program. Another $14 million went toward an increase in detained immigrants making calls, including international calls to family members.