Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terminated two programs offering social services to undocumented immigrants released within the U.S., citing high costs and inconsistencies with the agency's core mission. This information was revealed in a response to an inquiry from Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and other members of Congress regarding ICE's "Alternatives to Detention" (ATD) program.
While defending the ATD program as an "efficient and effective" method for monitoring a segment of the non-detained immigrant population, ICE explained that the discontinued programs were separate initiatives. The agency currently monitors over 181,000 individuals through ATD, using app check-ins and GPS monitors, out of a total non-detained docket of nearly 7.7 million – a figure that has significantly increased under the Biden administration.
One of the terminated programs, the Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS), provided psychosocial and behavioral health support to vulnerable individuals and families. ICE deemed the program ineffective, citing a minimal increase in compliance rates among participants and excessive costs. The agency stated that the WSS did not sufficiently benefit ICE or advance its mission.
The second discontinued program, the Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP), offered legal services, screenings, and referrals to social service programs for migrants aged 18 and 19. ICE explained that the YACMP was misaligned with its mission and priorities, particularly given budgetary constraints. The agency is refocusing its resources to address budgetary challenges.
The letter to Congress also provided data on the ATD program's tracking system. ICE reported a 98.6% overall court appearance rate for those tracked and a 90.4% appearance rate for final hearings. As of September, 13.2% of participants were tracked via GPS devices. The agency also disclosed data on criminal charges and convictions among ATD participants in fiscal year 2024.
Conservative voices have urged further cuts to programs providing services to undocumented immigrants, arguing that ICE's primary focus should be law enforcement and deportations. They advocate for redirecting funds towards these efforts.
