Biden admin to GOP: Immigration bill will cost more than $3 billion
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it would require more than $3.2 billion in additional funding to implement the Laken Riley Act, according to a memo obtained by POLITICO that the agency prepared last year.
That memo, crafted by the Biden administration, said implementation of the legislation as written would require an additional 60,000 to 70,000 detention beds — costing about $3.2 billion — and would need an additional 61 federal employees, which officials estimated would cost about $15 million is fiscal year 2025. In addition, ICE said the legislation would impede federal government operations by requiring states attorneys general to sign off on immigration decisions.
The three-page memo was sent in response to questions posed by Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), the lead sponsor of the House bill, and is dated December 2024. The House passed the legislation last year, but it stalled in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The bill, which would mandate the detention of undocumented immigrants who are charged with lower-level crimes like theft or burglary, has now been passed by the House again and has advanced in the Senate with bipartisan support, though Democrats have said they want to amend the legislation.
Collins’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But another Republican indicated they weren't turned off by the price tag.
“We’re prepared to give ICE the resources it needs to properly enforce federal law and protect American families, both through the appropriations and reconciliation processes," said Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), who introduced the Senate version of the legislation.
Under the provisions of the legislation, according to the letter from ICE, it would need additional funding for support staff, removal flights and additional immigration attorneys.