Fact Check: ICE budget skyrocketed from $8.4 billion to over $10 billion under Biden.

Fact Check: "ICE budget skyrocketed from $8.4 billion to over $10 billion under Biden."

What We Know

The claim suggests that the budget for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increased significantly from $8.4 billion to over $10 billion during President Biden's administration. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement budget overview, ICE's budget was indeed set at $8.4 billion for the fiscal year 2022. Furthermore, projections indicate that the budget is expected to rise to approximately $10 billion by fiscal year 2025, as noted in a report by Stephen Semler. This increase aligns with broader trends in federal funding for immigration enforcement, which have seen bipartisan support over the years.

Analysis

The evidence indicates that the budget for ICE has indeed increased from $8.4 billion in 2022 to a projected $10 billion in 2025. However, it is important to note that the increase is not solely attributable to the Biden administration. Historical data shows that ICE's budget has been gradually rising over several years, with funding levels of $6.8 billion in 2017 and $8.4 billion in 2021, prior to Biden taking office (source-7).

Moreover, while the increase from $8.4 billion to over $10 billion is factual, the context surrounding this growth is crucial. The budgetary decisions are influenced by various factors, including legislative priorities and ongoing immigration challenges, which have persisted across multiple administrations. The Biden-Harris Administration Record does not specifically address the ICE budget but highlights a broader commitment to immigration reform and enforcement.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis varies. The budget documents from the Department of Homeland Security (source-4) are official government publications and thus provide credible data. In contrast, the article by Stephen Semler (source-7) offers a more interpretive view and should be considered alongside official statistics for a balanced perspective.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While the claim that ICE's budget increased from $8.4 billion to over $10 billion under Biden is supported by evidence, the context of this increase requires further exploration. The growth in ICE's budget is part of a longer trend that predates the Biden administration, and understanding the underlying factors influencing these budgetary decisions is essential for a comprehensive evaluation.