ICE tells Congress agency will need $3+ billion in funding to implement Laken Riley Bill

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stated that it would need over $3 billion in additional funding to implement the proposed Laken Riley Act, according to a December 2024 memo obtained by Politico.

The memo, prepared in response to questions from Congressman Mike Collins, the bill's lead sponsor, estimated that the legislation would require between 60,000 and 70,000 additional detention beds, costing approximately $3.2 billion.
The agency also projected a need for 61 additional federal employees, at an estimated cost of $15 million for the 2025 fiscal year. ICE went on to warn that the bill could hinder federal operations by requiring state attorneys general to sign off on certain decisions.

The bill as written would require the detention of illegal immigrants charged with low-level crimes. The legislation initially passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate. Recently, the House approved it again and it has advanced to the Senate with bipartisan support, but some Democrats are seeking amendments.

“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 Republican Senator Katie Britt, who introduced the Senate version of the bill, per Politico.

ICE highlighted additional funding needs in its memo, including resources for staff, removal flights, and immigration attorneys.

The bill comes after its namesake, Laken Riley, was killed by a previously apprehended illegal immigrant. The 22-year-old nursing student was brutally killed by Venezuelan migrant Jose Ibarra, who was apprehended by Border Patrol but released prior to the killing. Ibarra has since been sentenced to life in prison without parole after being found guilty of the murder.