The Biden administration’s border crisis continues to drain American resources at an unprecedented rate. Indeed, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is struggling to manage a non-detained docket that has ballooned to nearly 7.7 million people. This staggering figure comes as the agency faces mounting pressure over its use of taxpayer dollars.

While much attention has focused on the surge of illegal crossings, undisclosed programs have quietly consumed millions in federal funding. These initiatives, implemented under the guise of providing “support services,” have operated largely outside public scrutiny.

The strain on federal law enforcement resources has become increasingly apparent as ICE grapples with limited detention space, maintaining only 40,000 beds while millions of illegal aliens remain in the country undetained.

ICE Terminates 2 Major Programs

In a revealing development that underscores the fiscal irresponsibility of current policies, ICE has now terminated two controversial programs that provided extensive social services to illegal immigrants. In doing so, ICE cited “immense cost” and a stark lack of effectiveness. The decision came in response to a demanding inquiry from Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and 15 other members of Congress who insisted on accountability for these taxpayer-funded initiatives.

The first casualty was the Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS), which launched in February of 2020. This program partnered with NGOs to provide “psychosocial and behavioral health support” to illegal immigrants and their families. ICE’s own assessment delivered a scathing verdict: the program showed only a 2% higher compliance rate compared to those who didn’t receive services, while accumulating substantial costs to American taxpayers.

“ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations notes the challenge with the WSS was its immense cost with little improvement,” the agency stated in its response letter. “As a result, ERO determined WSS was not cost-effective enough to continue paying for these services when they did not benefit ICE or help the agency further its mission.”

Second Program Scrapped By ICE

The second terminated program, the Young Adult Case Management (YACMP) initiative, diverted law enforcement resources to provide legal services and social program referrals to 18- and 19-year-old illegal immigrants across 16 cities. ICE concluded that this program, launched in 2023, “does not align with ERO’s mission or priorities.”

Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, praised the terminations while calling for broader reform.

“ICE is a law enforcement agency, not a charity,” Ries said. “The billions of dollars DHS has wasted to bring millions of illegal aliens into the country and provide them excessive amenities should be redirected to getting every illegal alien safely back to their home country.”

The agency’s enforcement data reveals disturbing statistics about those enrolled in these programs. In fiscal year 2024 alone, participants faced 3,913 criminal charges and 688 convictions, including two homicides, four kidnappings, ten sex offenses, and 65 assault convictions. Despite these serious public safety concerns, the average participant remained in the program for 511.9 days at taxpayer expense.

Trump Planning ‘Historic’ Mass Deportations

The terminations come as the incoming Trump administration signals a dramatic shift in immigration enforcement priorities. Trump’s transition team has announced plans for what they describe as a “historic” mass deportation operation, coupled with an expansion of ankle monitoring for those awaiting proceedings.

Ries characterized the terminated programs as a “boondoggle” and urged further action.

“There are several other similar initiatives that must meet the same fate under President Trump,” she said. “Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars in conflict with an agency mission, we should see a massive increase in resources for detaining and deporting illegal aliens.”

The agency continues to operate its core Alternatives to Detention program, which monitors about 181,000 illegal immigrants through either app check-ins or GPS monitoring. While ICE defends this program as “efficient and effective,” conservative experts argue that even this basic monitoring system requires careful scrutiny.

“If you don’t support the agency’s mission, you shouldn’t get a dime,” Ries emphasized, highlighting the fundamental shift needed in how federal resources are allocated in immigration enforcement.

As the border crisis continues with no end in sight, these program terminations represent a crucial first step toward fiscal responsibility and a return to ICE’s core law enforcement mission. With millions of cases pending and limited resources available, the agency’s move signals a potential broader reckoning with programs that have strayed far from their intended purpose of protecting American communities and enforcing immigration law.

Key Takeaways:

• ICE terminates two costly migrant support programs after revealing only 2% improvement in compliance.
• Your tax dollars were funding psychological services and legal aid for illegal immigrants across 16 cities.
• Heritage Foundation expert: “ICE is a law enforcement agency, not a charity.”
• Trump transition team signals major policy shift away from social services toward enforcement.

Sources: Fox News, BizPac Review