Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is grappling with a significant budget shortfall, prompting the drafting of contingency plans to cut detention capacity and potentially release thousands of US migrants.

A source familiar with the plan revealed that ICE, facing a dire financial situation, is considering drastic measures amid stalled congressional action on the White House's supplemental request, according to CNN.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is contending with a record influx of US migrants at the US-Mexico border, leading to a strained budget and resources.

The White House has requested $14 billion in border security funding, with the supplement providing $7.6 billion for ICE.

However, a $700 million deficit has left ICE in a precarious position, necessitating discussions about slashing detention space.

President Joe Biden has urged Congress to allocate more resources to address the US-Mexico border situation, placing blame on Republicans for what he perceives as inadequate support.

"Giving up on real solutions right when they are needed most in order to play politics is not what the American people expect from their leaders. Congress needs to act to give me, Secretary Mayorkas, and my administration the tools and resources needed to address the situation at the border," Biden said.

The budget shortfall is jeopardizing ICE's capacity to detain and deport US migrants, with detention facilities and deportation flights being significant budget items for the agency.

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Proposed Detention Reduction and Potential Repercussions

ICE is currently holding about 38,000 migrants in long-term detention facilities, and an internal proposal suggests cutting detentions to 22,000, BBC reports.

While some US migrants may face deportation, many could be released into the US.

The Department of Homeland Security warned that the rejection of the border bill would endanger removal operations, putting additional strain on the workforce.

A spokesperson for DHS emphasized chronic underfunding by Congress, noting potential impacts on Customs and Border Patrol, ICE, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Republicans, advocating for stricter enforcement, are likely to criticize any move to release US migrants into the US while awaiting immigration court proceedings.

Public Opinion and Funding Challenges

The divisive issue of immigration remains a focal point in the US, with a CBS poll indicating that nearly half of Americans view the situation at the US-Mexico border as a crisis, and 63% support "tougher" policies.

The budget shortfall not only affects ICE's deportation capacity but also threatens border security, national security, and public safety, according to DHS officials.

Interim ICE head Patrick Lechleitner emphasized the need for supplemental funding, and while the potential release of thousands of US migrants is not guaranteed, DHS could divert funds from other sub-agencies to address the budget deficit.

A reduction in ICE operations could impact US-Mexico border security, national security, and public safety, raising concerns about the administration's ability to handle unlawful border crossings, CBS News noted.

As the Biden administration seeks additional resources, the budget shortfall poses challenges to various aspects of the US immigration system, including border surveillance technology and the processing of legal immigration benefits.

The broader implications of the financial strain extend to Federal Emergency Management Agency programs providing support to entities housing US migrants released from DHS custody, facing depletion of funds last year amid political objections.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: ICE could be forced to release thousands of detained migrants over budget shortfall - From CBS Evening News