On June 10, 2026, President Donald Trump signed the Secure America Act into law. This approved approximately $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement through 2029. The legislation represents one of the largest investments in immigration enforcement in U.S. history. It could significantly expand the federal government’s ability to investigate, detain, and remove noncitizens from the United States.
What Is the ICE Budget for 2026?
The new law provides approximately $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also provides $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Billions more will go toward related Department of Homeland Security enforcement activities. The funding is intended to support increased hiring, detention capacity, border operations, surveillance technology, and deportation efforts.
What Does the New ICE Budget Mean for Immigrants?
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to strengthen border security, enforce immigration laws, and address unlawful immigration. Critics, however, warn that the law provides unprecedented enforcement resources without corresponding safeguards or reforms. It may lead to increased immigration raids, detentions, and deportations across the country.
On the bright side, some of this new budget may be used to hire more staff for USCIS and the Department of State. It may speed up the horrendous waiting times for green card applications, work authorizations, naturalizations, and visas.
Conversely, the majority of this budget will be used by the Trump administration to accelerate deportations and go against lawful immigrants. Their agenda is clear: cut down the number of immigrants inside the U.S. using whatever means possible.
How Much Did the ICE Budget Increase Under the Secure America Act?
The Secure America Act represents one of the single largest increases in immigration enforcement funding in U.S. history. ICE alone received approximately $38 billion, a dramatic expansion compared to prior budget cycles. Combined with CBP funding, the total enforcement budget now exceeds $64 billion through 2029.
What Could This Mean for Immigrants?
While the exact implementation plans are still developing, immigrants should expect:
- Increased ICE enforcement activity nationwide
- More worksite investigations and employer compliance audits
- Expanded detention capacity
- Faster processing of removal cases
- Greater resources dedicated to locating individuals with outstanding removal orders
- Increased scrutiny of immigration applications and benefits
Individuals who are undocumented, have prior removal orders, missed immigration court hearings, or have criminal records may face heightened enforcement risks.
Lawful Immigrants Should Also Pay Attention
Even lawfully present immigrants in the United States should ensure that their immigration records are accurate and up to date. We recommend:
- Keeping copies of all immigration documents
- Updating addresses with USCIS as required by law
- Reviewing eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship
- Consulting an experienced immigration attorney before traveling internationally if there are any concerns regarding immigration status
Asylum Seekers and Individuals in Removal Proceedings
Those with pending asylum applications, immigration court cases, appeals, or humanitarian petitions should continue to attend all hearings and respond to government notices. Missing a hearing or deadline can have serious consequences and may result in a removal order.
Individuals currently in immigration proceedings should consult counsel regarding any available forms of relief, including asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, family petitions, VAWA, T visas, U visas, SIJS, and other forms of humanitarian protection.
Our Advice on the New ICE Budget and What to Do Now
The passage of the Secure America Act does not change your options under U.S. immigration law. Many immigrants still qualify for lawful status or protection. However, the increased ICE budget makes it more important than ever to understand your rights. Address any immigration issues before they become emergencies.
Contact Shepelsky Law Group About Your Immigration Case
If you are concerned about your immigration status or have a pending case, now is the time to act. Our experienced immigration attorneys assist clients nationwide with asylum, removal defense, family petitions, humanitarian visas, employment-based immigration, waivers, and citizenship matters.
Shepelsky Law Group
📞 (718) 769-6352
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your immigration options and prepare for the rapidly changing immigration landscape.