The Department of Homeland Security reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reached a record detention population of 60,000 people as part of a large-scale operational expansion supported by recent federal funding.
At a Glance
- $75 billion in new immigration enforcement funding approved in July 2025
- Over 100,000 applications to ICE received in less than two weeks
- Age limits for ICE applicants removed to widen the candidate pool
- $50,000 signing bonuses and student loan forgiveness offered as incentives
- Goal to increase deportations to 1 million annually and 3,000 arrests daily
Expanded Enforcement Operations
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law, allocating $75 billion toward immigration enforcement initiatives. Of that amount, $30 billion is designated for recruitment and hiring at ICE, with the stated goal of expanding operational capacity and significantly increasing annual deportations.
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The legislation supports a hiring surge intended to grow ICE’s workforce by up to 50% by 2029. The expansion includes large-scale recruitment campaigns and enhanced operational targets. DHS data shows that the number of individuals in ICE custody has reached historic highs, reflecting intensified enforcement actions nationwide.
Recruitment Strategy and Policy Changes
As part of the recruitment drive, DHS removed federal age limits for ICE applicants on August 6, 2025, opening positions to more experienced candidates, including retired law enforcement officers. Department officials say this change allows access to a broader pool of applicants with extensive investigative and operational experience.
Additional incentives—such as $50,000 signing bonuses and full student loan forgiveness—are designed to attract and retain personnel in a competitive hiring environment. DHS reports that more than 100,000 applications were received in less than two weeks, exceeding initial expectations.
Potential Impacts and Considerations
While the increased funding and hiring initiatives are intended to boost enforcement capacity, local law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about competition for trained personnel. Analysts note that the expanded federal recruitment effort could affect staffing levels in other public safety roles, as well as potentially increase salary expectations across the sector.
ICE’s operational goals, if met, would represent a significant increase in enforcement activity compared to previous years. Observers note that the long-term outcomes of these policies will depend on workforce retention, operational efficiency, and broader immigration trends in the coming years.
Sources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security