DHS Plans $38.3B ICE Expansion, Per-Bed Cost Tops $400K

The Department of Homeland Security plans to spend about $38.3 billion to expand ICE detention capacity to roughly 92,600 beds, according to the Associated Press. That puts the all-in cost at more than $400,000 per bed based on simple division.

The number is drawing scrutiny online, with critics questioning whether warehouse purchases justify that scale of spending.

According to AP, the plan includes buying and converting warehouse-style facilities across multiple states while expanding overall detention capacity. Axios reported the $38.3 billion figure represents total projected spending, including acquisition, renovations, and multi-year operational costs.

Forbes reported one confirmed warehouse purchase in Hagerstown, Maryland, for $102.4 million, expected to hold around 1,500 detainees. That equals roughly $68,000 per bed before accounting for security retrofits, staffing, medical facilities, and ongoing operations.

Related: Majestic Realty Rejects DHS Plan for 1M Sq Ft Texas Detention Site

Bloomberg also reported additional warehouse acquisitions totaling about $172 million, including one facility projected to house thousands more detainees.

DHS has not publicly released a detailed breakdown separating real estate acquisition from long-term operational funding.

“The spending plan covers far more than construction,” Axios reported.

The distinction matters because dividing total program spending by total beds produces an inflated per-bed figure if multi-year staffing and operational costs are included.

Related: Rep. Ro Khanna Slams DHS “Hundreds” of Subpoenas Seeking Names of Anti-ICE Accounts

Federal detention facilities require perimeter security, surveillance systems, medical units, compliance upgrades, and full-time personnel, all of which increase long-term costs beyond property purchase prices.

Congress is expected to review funding allocations as implementation moves forward.

Until DHS releases a line-item breakdown, the debate over the true per-bed cost is likely to continue.

Related: ICE Unveils $38.3B Plan to Turn Warehouses Into Massive Migrant Detention Hubs