Fact Check: ICE's detention budget is larger than the total budget for USAID.

Fact Check: "ICE's detention budget is larger than the total budget for USAID."

What We Know

The claim that "ICE's detention budget is larger than the total budget for USAID" requires an examination of the budgets for both the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

As of the fiscal year 2023, ICE's budget was approximately $8.3 billion, which includes funding for various operations, including detention and enforcement activities (source). In contrast, USAID's budget for the same fiscal year was around $27 billion, which covers international development and humanitarian assistance programs (source).

This indicates that ICE's detention budget is significantly smaller than USAID's total budget. However, it is important to note that the specific allocation for detention within ICE's overall budget can vary year to year and may not be explicitly detailed in public documents.

Analysis

The claim hinges on the interpretation of budget figures from two distinct federal agencies. ICE's budget includes various components, such as enforcement and investigations, and its detention budget is a subset of this total. According to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, the agency's detention budget for FY 2023 was approximately $4.7 billion, specifically allocated for detention operations (source).

On the other hand, USAID's budget is comprehensive, covering a wide range of programs aimed at international development, disaster relief, and global health initiatives. The total budget for USAID in FY 2023 was approximately $27 billion, which is more than three times the total ICE budget (source).

The sources used for this analysis are credible, with budget figures sourced from official government reports and statements. However, the specific breakdown of ICE's budget can sometimes be complex, and the figures may change with new fiscal policies or budget proposals.

Conclusion

The claim that "ICE's detention budget is larger than the total budget for USAID" is Unverified. The available data indicates that ICE's total budget is significantly smaller than USAID's total budget, and while the detention budget is a substantial part of ICE's funding, it does not exceed the total budget of USAID. The complexity of federal budgets and potential changes in allocations could lead to misunderstandings, but based on current data, the claim does not hold up.