ICE Unveils $38.3 Billion Expansion to Detain Nearly 93,000 Migrants by Year-End
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is embarking on an unprecedented expansion of its detention capacity, aiming to house up to 92,600 individuals as part of a nationwide effort to expedite deportations. An internal agency memo dated February 13, 2026, reveals plans for a $38.3 billion overhaul that includes the construction of eight mega-centers, each capable of accommodating 10,000 detainees, with a target completion date of November 30, 2026.
The initiative, funded through congressional appropriations under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” represents a significant scaling up of ICE’s ability to detain and process migrants. Beyond the mega-centers, the plan calls for 16 regional processing sites designed for short-term stays of three to seven days, each with a capacity between 1,000 and 1,500 detainees. Additionally, ICE intends to acquire 10 existing “turnkey” detention facilities where its Enforcement and Removal Operations currently operate.
This consolidation aims to centralize detention operations, streamlining the deportation process and reducing reliance on multiple smaller contracts. The agency’s internal documents emphasize the goal of enabling what it terms “mass deportations,” a move likely to intensify debates surrounding immigration enforcement policies.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons testified before the Senate recently, revealing the number of individuals with deportation orders currently under ICE’s jurisdiction. The agency’s push aligns with broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS) priorities to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement. According to DHS guidelines, expanding detention capacity is a critical component of managing immigration flows and ensuring compliance with removal orders.
ICE’s detention expansion comes amid ongoing national discussions about immigration reform and humanitarian concerns. Critics, including advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, have raised alarms about the potential human rights implications of large-scale detention facilities. They argue that mega-centers could exacerbate overcrowding and limit access to legal counsel and medical care.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows fluctuating migration patterns at the southern border, underscoring the challenges ICE faces in balancing enforcement with resource constraints. The agency’s new model seeks to address these challenges by consolidating resources and enhancing operational efficiency.
While the expansion promises to increase ICE’s capacity dramatically, it also raises questions about the long-term impacts on migrant communities and the broader immigration system. The agency’s approach reflects a shift toward more centralized detention infrastructure, which may influence how immigration enforcement is conducted nationwide.
For more information on ICE’s operations and detention policies, visit the official ICE website.
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