Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has proposed a $12 billion plan to significantly enhance the deportation capabilities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by acquiring a dedicated fleet of planes. This initiative aims to replace the current system of charter flight rentals, potentially doubling the number of deportations to between 30,000 and 35,000 per month.
Currently, ICE rents between eight and fourteen planes, facilitating the deportation of approximately 15,000 individuals each month. Noem's proposal comes as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs associated with charter services, which have been criticized for their inefficiency.
To implement this plan, ICE estimates that around 30 planes would be needed, which could cost upwards of $12 billion. This ambitious initiative follows a recent increase in ICE funding by former President Donald Trump, who allocated an additional $75 billion to bolster the agency's resources.
The potential impact of this plan could reshape the landscape of immigration enforcement in the United States, allowing ICE to expedite deportations and reduce reliance on external charter services. As previously reported, there have been ongoing discussions about enhancing immigration enforcement, with various stakeholders weighing in on the implications of such measures.
