ICE Moves Towards Major Detention Expansion

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans significant detention center expansion, targeting $38.3 billion in spending by year-end to manage increasing immigration enforcement and deportation needs. By 2026, facilities will boost ICE's total bed capacity to 92,600, anticipating a surge in arrests following a hiring boost for agents.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning a comprehensive expansion of its detention centers, with an expected investment of $38.3 billion by the end of the year. This initiative aims to accommodate the anticipated rise in immigrant detentions and deportations, as outlined in a plan released by New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte's office.

ICE's approach includes purchasing 16 buildings, converting them into regional processing centers, and opening eight large detention centers to handle between 7,000 to 10,000 detainees. The plan indicates these centers will serve as primary destinations for deportations, with ICE also optimizing existing turnkey operations to streamline detention processes.

Expected to be operational by November 2026, these centers will significantly expand ICE's capacity to 92,600 beds. Amidst a climate of increasing immigrant detentions under President Donald Trump's administration, ICE aims to enhance efficiency and humane management of detention facilities despite political opposition.

(With inputs from agencies.)