Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing a substantial expansion of its migrant detention centers, with an estimated budget of $45 billion. This initiative responds to the significant increase in undocumented immigrant arrest targets, which have risen from 1,000 to 3,000 arrests per day, according to a recent report published in The Independent.
This intensification of ICE activities aligns with President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policy, recently characterized by increased operations and arrests across the country. According to The Independent, these actions have triggered major protests in several metropolitan areas, particularly in Los Angeles.
A Bloomberg report, cited in the article, reveals that the federal government is considering partnerships with companies specializing in temporary structures, private correctional facilities, and emergency management to implement this expansion. ICE has recently shortlisted 41 companies to participate in the bidding process. Among these, at least nine offer “flexible” facilities – temporary structures already deployed at the southern border for migrant reception.
The funding for these new facilities is included in what President Trump calls the “big, beautiful bill.” This legislative proposal has received approval from the House of Representatives but still requires Senate validation and presidential signature to become effective.
Stephen Miller, a senior White House advisor known for his hardline stance on immigration issues, is at the center of this initiative. According to multiple sources cited by The Independent, including The Wall Street Journal, Miller reportedly presided over a late May meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, where the increased arrest quotas were established. These sources report that Miller encouraged federal agents to “simply go out and arrest illegal aliens.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, rather than establishing a specific list of migrants to apprehend, agents have been instructed to conduct operations at popular retail establishments such as Home Depot and 7-Eleven.
These actions have transformed Los Angeles into a focal point of confrontation between President Trump’s administration and opponents of his immigration strategy. In response to the demonstrations – described as largely peaceful by The Independent – the President has ordered an unprecedented deployment of several thousand National Guard members and 700 Marines to the metropolis. This extraordinary decision has sparked strong opposition from local authorities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated legal proceedings against the federal government to challenge this military deployment. A judge initially ruled in his favor, ordering the return of National Guard control to the state. However, federal representatives have appealed the decision, leading an appeals court to temporarily suspend the ruling and schedule a hearing for this Tuesday.
Source: The Independent
