FOXNews | 2 hours ago | US Today
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing for a large-scale, $38.3 billion growth of its detention infrastructure, with a goal to host 92,600 beds for deportations, an internal memo has revealed. This development proposes a considerable increase compared to the current capacity, aligning with the agency's intensified efforts in handling deportation proceedings.
The blueprint, set for completion by 2026, includes the establishment of eight mega-centers, indicating a shift towards more centralized and large-scale detention operations. These extensive facilities aim to house detainees during their immigration court proceedings and before formal removals, reflecting the intensified hard-line immigration policies.
While the document does not offer detailed plans for each location, it does hint at a growth strategy emphasizing efficiency and capacity. The significant financial investment underscores the importance placed on immigration enforcement, a hot button issue that has generated much debate in recent years.
However, critics argue that such plans, while notable in scale, ultimately fail to address the root causes of immigration and instead prioritize investment in detention facilities over holistic reform. Critics further warn the possible risks of human rights abuses and lawsuits linked to poor conditions and treatment in large-scale detention facilities.