President Donald Trump is pushing Congress for resources to support mass deportations of migrants without legal permission in the country. The administration is seeking funding for detention beds, repatriation flights, and family residential centers to carry out Trump’s directives. Trump emphasized the need for swift action from Congress to accelerate removals, stating he would sign the funding bill promptly.
Immigration has been a focal point of Trump’s administration, with Vice President JD Vance visiting the U.S. southern border to reinforce the administration’s message. Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts in border and immigration enforcement, emphasizing targeting dangerous criminals residing with migrants not prioritized for removal.
The administration has not disclosed the exact funding required, but border czar Tom Homan stressed the need for more resources for ICE operations. Estimates suggest it could cost at least $88 billion annually to deport 1 million people. Conservative lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Chip Roy, have discussed the funding needs with Trump to ensure ICE has the necessary resources for removals and repatriations.
Trump criticized the Biden administration for increased encounters at the border and emphasized his administration’s success in reducing illegal border crossings. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers are processing migrants cautiously, with Trump’s tough stance contributing to a historic low in unlawful border crossings. The administration aims for migrants to return to their home countries voluntarily and follow proper entry procedures.
The visit to the U.S.-Mexico border by key officials, including Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth, underscored the administration’s commitment to immigration enforcement. The tour included meetings with government and law enforcement officials in Eagle Pass, a site of tension between Texas and the Biden administration over border control. Vance reiterated the administration’s focus on enforcing immigration laws while encouraging migrants to comply voluntarily.
