Facing capacity constraints amid a surge in immigration enforcement actions, the Trump administration is turning to federal prisons to house undocumented immigrants. The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed its cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in this effort, stating its commitment to supporting the administration's policy goals. Citing privacy and security protocols, the bureau declined to provide specifics on the number of individuals housed or their locations.
Facilities in major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Atlanta are reportedly being utilized. This strategy comes as ICE grapples with overflowing detention centers due to increased arrests in sanctuary cities and other areas nationwide. With just under 42,000 beds currently available, the agency has been exceeding capacity. While the administration is working to expand detention space, the process of securing facilities, hiring personnel, and meeting regulatory requirements typically takes around a month.
ICE has reportedly requested approximately $575 million in advanced funding from the Office of Management and Budget to expedite its operations and move closer to its goal of 100,000 beds and one million deportations annually. In addition to partnering with the Bureau of Prisons, ICE is exploring the use of available space within Customs and Border Protection facilities. Furthermore, new protocols require acting ICE director Caleb Vitello's personal approval for any release of a detained individual. The administration is also utilizing Guantánamo Bay to accommodate up to 30,000 detainees, with the second flight of migrants arriving there recently. A senior ICE official emphasized the administration's commitment to exploring all available options, acknowledging the challenges posed by the previous administration's reduction in detention capacity and contract cancellations. Rebuilding this infrastructure, they noted, is a complex process, not a simple on/off switch.
