GAO Finds Millions Wasted in ICE Detention Expansion

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies wasted tens of millions of dollars while rapidly expanding immigration detention capacity without a comprehensive strategy, the Government Accountability Office said Thursday.

The watchdog found that ICE spent $1.07 billion to buy 11 warehouses intended for conversion into detention centers but now plans to sell seven without ever housing detainees. Those properties generated about $7.7 million in nonrecoverable acquisition expenses and $12.8 million in utility, security and other costs as of August. The government could lose more if they sell below their purchase prices.

The Defense Department also spent $2.85 million erecting tents for 5,000 detainees at the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay. The tents were removed without being used after the Department of Homeland Security determined they did not meet detention standards. The GAO also cited high operating costs at the now-closed Florida facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Congress provided ICE with $45 billion for detention expansion last year. The detained population rose from about 39,000 in January 2025 to 67,000 by July 30, according to the report.

The GAO said ICE lacked consistent goals and did not adequately account for long-term costs, leading to abandoned or altered projects. DHS agreed with a recommendation to create a comprehensive strategic plan and said it would complete one by Aug. 31, 2027. The watchdog warned that timetable may not prevent further waste. ICE did not immediately provide additional comment.