ICE Expands Migrant Detention Capacity to 100,000 Beds

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is rapidly expanding migrant detention capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 beds by the end of 2024, funded by a $45 billion increase. The expansion prioritizes building large-scale tent facilities, including a major 5,000-bed camp at Fort Bliss, Texas, as well as new sites in Colorado, Indiana, and New Jersey. ICE is focusing on partnerships with Republican-led states and local governments, moving away from private prison contractors. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed talks with five Republican states to develop new sites modeled after Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility, which has been accused of medical neglect and verbal abuse. The White House and ICE have not commented on the specifics of the plan. The rapid expansion has drawn scrutiny over facility conditions and broader migrant detention policies.