In a significant policy shift, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the termination of a controversial social services program for illegal immigrants, citing its high costs and ineffectiveness.
The decision comes in response to a federal oversight initiative spearheaded by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), with the backing of several Republican lawmakers and immigration advocacy groups.
The now-terminated program, part of ICE’s Alternatives to Detention (ATD) initiative, provided social services to illegal immigrants released into the U.S. Critics argued that the program wasted tens of millions of taxpayer dollars while failing to effectively address immigration enforcement challenges.
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In a statement following ICE’s announcement, Congressman Donalds took aim at the Biden administration’s immigration policies, accusing them of creating incentives for illegal immigration.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris broke our border on purpose with a debilitating policy of open borders, and the ramifications of their neglect will be felt for years to come,” said Donalds. “The American people should not be forced to spend tens of millions of their hard-earned dollars on social services programs for illegal aliens. I’m proud our initiative pressured ICE into terminating this wasteful and ineffective program. Government must put the American people first.”
The Donalds-led initiative received endorsements from prominent Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ), as well as influential organizations like NumbersUSA, Heritage Action, and The National Immigration Center for Enforcement.
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This coalition called for greater oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement, urging ICE to prioritize policies that deter illegal immigration rather than programs perceived as encouraging it.
ICE, in its response, highlighted the “immense cost” of the social services program and acknowledged its limited impact on immigration enforcement. The agency emphasized its commitment to redirecting resources toward initiatives that strengthen border security and uphold immigration laws.
The termination of the program is expected to save tens of millions of dollars, a point of emphasis for fiscal conservatives like Donalds and his allies, who have long criticized government spending on programs they believe encourage illegal immigration.
The move marks a victory for Republicans pushing for stricter immigration enforcement and serves as a rebuke to what they describe as the Biden administration’s “open-border policies.” It also underscores the growing influence of oversight initiatives led by figures like Donalds, who has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for border security and fiscal responsibility.
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The termination of this program represents a shift in ICE’s approach to immigration enforcement under sustained pressure from Republican lawmakers. Whether this decision will deter illegal immigration, as proponents suggest, or create additional challenges remains to be seen.
Congressman Donalds and his coalition are expected to continue their push for further reforms to U.S. immigration policies, signaling ongoing battles over the future of border security and immigration enforcement.
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