The Number of ICE Workers for Mass Deportations is Increasing

• ICE is receiving $76.5 billion for mass deportations
• The number of workers and flights for deportations is increasing
• Federal marshals are being recruited to oversee ICE flights

Washington — The agency responsible for implementing President Donald Trump's mass deportation program reports that it has received prior proposals to employ more than 1,000 people. This is reflected in a photo showing increased funding, which became possible due to new legislation that Trump signed on July 4. The law allocates $170 billion for border security and immigration enforcement over the next five years.

ICE spokesperson Trish MacLachlin noted that many of these proposals have included former ICE employees who were laid off during Biden's presidency due to budget cuts. Now, under Trump's leadership, the agency plans to return to work on removing criminals from the community.

According to representatives of the House Appropriations Committee, ICE is receiving $76.5 billion, which is almost ten times its annual budget. Of this amount, $45 billion is designated for increasing enforcement capabilities, while nearly $30 billion is for hiring up to 10,000 new employees to achieve the goal of one million deportations per year.

Additionally, ICE has launched a recruitment campaign, offering bonuses of up to $50,000 for new recruits and other incentives, such as forgiving student loans.

At the same time, as part of the new initiative, federal marshals, who usually respond to border security on commercial flights, have been repurposed to oversee flights with deportees. This has led to a significant reduction in border security on commercial airlines, although some marshals still serve on these flights, fulfilling obligations that previously were performed by private contractors.

Observers of immigration activity report an increase in the number of flights for deportations, including a 34% rise from January to June 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. More than 4,700 flights have been scheduled during this time, including internal transfers of detainees.

Tags: USA/Politics