Trump’s Immigration Overhaul: A $170 Billion Boost Makes ICE America’s Largest Law Enforcement Agency

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cut bill passed early Thursday, prominently featuring $170 billion aimed at immigration enforcement. This funding aims to support the president’s 2024 campaign promise for mass deportations of undocumented individuals.

The House approved the measure with a narrow vote of 218-214, which reinforces several immigration priorities. Key initiatives include increased border security, enhanced immigration detention capacity, and increased fees for legal immigration pathways. The administration plans to hire thousands of new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

While the bill expands immigration enforcement, it restricts benefits for some lawful immigrants. Specifically, immigrants with asylum status will lose eligibility for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Currently, about 42 million individuals rely on SNAP benefits, which are not available to those without legal status.

Furthermore, the bill could deny tax benefits to mixed-status families. While it raises the child tax credit to $2,200 per eligible child, it excludes benefits for U.S. citizen children of undocumented parents. A Social Security number would be required for parents applying for this tax credit.

The comprehensive 870-page bill, previously passed by the Senate with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance, intends to make ICE the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the nation. Nearly $30 billion is allocated for ICE operations through September 2029, including funding to hire 10,000 officers and for new facilities and equipment.

Additionally, the bill designates $1 billion for the Department of Defense to support border operations and temporarily detain migrants on military installations. This follows Trump’s directive to enhance military presence at the southern border, raising concerns over potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

On the detention front, the bill allocates $45 billion for new immigrant detention centers, representing a significant increase from previous budgets. Private prison companies are expected to expand operations to accommodate the increased detention capacity.

Border security measures also feature prominently, with $46.6 billion earmarked for constructing and repairing barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. This funding will facilitate the installation of advanced technology, including surveillance cameras and sensors, with a focus on enhancing border control operations over several years.

The bill introduces new fees for legal immigration pathways, including a $100 application fee for asylum seekers and a $250 fee for nonimmigrant visas, which were previously free. Funding will also support legal proceedings related to immigration matters, as well as hiring additional immigration judges.

Funding for unaccompanied immigrant children is included as well, enabling enhanced background checks and examinations for potential sponsors. The bill establishes a fee for special juvenile immigrant visas, currently provided at no cost.

Moreover, the funding structure includes support for states participating in border enforcement and hosting major sporting events, with significant allocations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Last updated 1:42 p.m., Jul. 3, 2025