ICE Halts Non-Detained Migrant Support: Financial Strain and Compliance Issues

ICE Halts Non-Detained Migrant Support: Financial Strain and Compliance Issues

ICE is dumping migrant support programs faster than a hot potato, citing sky-high costs and rock-bottom effectiveness. Turns out, throwing taxpayer money at illegal immigrants doesn’t magically make them follow the law. Who knew?

At a Glance

  • ICE terminates two migrant support programs due to high costs and minimal benefits
  • Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS) only improved compliance by 2%
  • Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP) deemed misaligned with ICE’s mission
  • ICE shifts focus to more cost-effective “Alternatives to Detention” program
  • Over 7 million migrants currently in ICE’s non-detained docket

ICE Pulls the Plug on Costly Migrant Support Programs

In a move that’s sure to ruffle some feathers in the progressive henhouse, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has decided to pull the plug on two of its migrant support programs. The reason? They’re burning through cash faster than a drunken sailor on shore leave, with little to show for it. The programs in question, the Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS) and the Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP), were designed to help non-detained migrants comply with their release conditions. But as it turns out, these initiatives were about as effective as a screen door on a submarine.

Let’s break down this comedy of errors, shall we? The WSS program, which kicked off in February 2020, was supposed to provide psychosocial and behavioral health support to migrants. The result? A whopping 2% improvement in compliance rates. That’s right, folks. Your tax dollars at work, achieving the bare minimum since 2020.

YACMP: A Case Study in Misalignment

But wait, there’s more! The YACMP, launched in 2023, was ICE’s attempt to play big brother to 18- and 19-year-old migrants in 16 cities. This program offered legal and social services, presumably to help these young adults navigate the complex world of immigration law. However, ICE soon realized that this program was about as aligned with their mission as a vegan at a barbecue festival.

“In addition to fiscal limitations, a review of the program revealed that YACMP does not align with ERO’s mission or priorities” – ICE

Translation: “We’re not here to hold hands and sing Kumbaya. We’re here to enforce immigration laws.” It seems ICE finally remembered its job description and decided not to renew the vendor contract for YACMP in June. Better late than never, I suppose.

The “Alternatives to Detention” Program: A Silver Lining?

Now, before you start thinking ICE has gone soft, they’re quick to point out that their “Alternatives to Detention” program is actually working. This program, which uses technology to monitor compliance with court appearances, has reportedly been successful. It’s almost as if keeping tabs on people who’ve entered the country illegally is more effective than offering them free therapy and legal advice. Who would’ve thought?

“ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations [ERO] notes the challenge with the WSS was its immense cost with little improvement” – ICE

But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. In fiscal year 2024, out of 181,000 migrants in the “Alternatives to Detention” program, 3,913 were charged with crimes, leading to 688 convictions. While that might seem like a small percentage, it’s 688 crimes that wouldn’t have happened if our borders were actually secure. But hey, who’s counting?

The Bottom Line: Common Sense Prevails (For Now)

In the end, this decision by ICE is a rare victory for common sense in the ongoing circus that is our immigration policy. It’s a reminder that throwing money at a problem doesn’t always solve it, especially when that problem involves millions of people who’ve entered the country illegally. Perhaps now, ICE can focus on its actual job: enforcing immigration laws and protecting our borders. But given the current administration’s track record, I won’t be holding my breath. Stay vigilant, America. The fight for our sovereignty is far from over.

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