US Reveals $38 Billion Plan to Transform How It Detains Migrants [View all]

Source: Bloomberg

February 13, 2026 at 1:14 PM EST
Updated on February 13, 2026 at 1:34 PM EST


The Trump administration is moving ahead with a $38.3 billion plan to remake the US immigration detention system, in a sweeping expansion that officials say will streamline operations and speed deportations. The plan, known as the Detention Reengineering Initiative, calls for acquiring and renovating eight large-scale detention centers, adding 16 processing sites and taking control of 10 existing “turnkey” facilities where Immigration and Customs Enforcement already operates.

The largest facilities will have the capacity to hold as many as 10,000 people, primarily for international removals. “This new model will allow ICE to create an efficient detention network by reducing the total number of contracted detention facilities in use while increasing total bed capacity, enhancing custody management, and streamlining removal operations,” according to documents published on the New Hampshire government’s website. The Washington Post first reported the news of the plans.

As part of its broader detention overhaul since President Donald Trump returned to office last year, the administration has begun purchasing warehouse buildings across the country with plans to convert them into immigration detention centers. The purchases have drawn concerns from local communities and political leaders from Arizona to Texas and Maryland.

According to the documents, the agency said the new network will increase bed capacity by 92,600 and is expected to be fully implemented by November. The estimated $38.3 billion overhaul would be funded through congressional allocations under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the document.

Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-13/trump-administration-reveals-38-3-billion-ice-detention-plan?srnd=phx-politics