A heated debate has erupted over the financial implications of deporting illegal aliens with criminal records. Critics argue that mainstream media and certain organizations are inflating costs to dissuade large-scale deportation efforts. However, a closer examination reveals that deporting these individuals is not only feasible but far more cost-effective than maintaining the status quo.
The American Immigration Council (AIC) recently testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, estimating that deporting 13 million illegal aliens would cost $316 billion. Their breakdown suggests an annual cost of $88 billion to deport one million individuals, or $88,000 per deportee.
These projections, repeated by outlets like The New York Times and CNN, rely on assumptions that experts argue significantly overstate the actual costs.
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Historical data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) paints a different picture. Over the past decade, the average cost of deporting an individual has been approximately $12,124. When legal processing costs are included, this rises modestly to $14,705 per deportee—far below the AIC’s projections.
The AIC’s $66 billion annual estimate for detention costs assumes that one million individuals would need to be housed for nearly two months each year. In reality, detention periods vary widely, with many detainees held for just a few weeks. Additionally, the claim that 83 new detention facilities would be needed annually ignores the multi-year lifespans of such facilities and the existing capacity to house 41,500 detainees.
Building additional facilities to accommodate 83,000 more detainees would cost roughly $3 billion—a fraction of the AIC’s estimate. Similarly, the AIC’s claim of $237 in daily detention costs per individual far exceeds federal prison reports, which show private facilities costing $93.50 per day and medium-security prisons at $122.50.
Deportation costs decrease significantly with economies of scale. For example, during ICE’s peak deportation year in 2004, when 1.4 million deportations occurred, the average cost per deportee dropped to just $4,354.
Cooperation from sanctuary cities and states could further reduce costs. Policies in these areas often create logistical and legal hurdles that drive up expenses unnecessarily. By streamlining federal and local collaboration, deportation efforts could become even more efficient.
One of the strongest arguments for deporting criminal aliens lies in the staggering costs associated with their potential re-offending. Of the 7.4 million non-detained noncitizens with pending cases in the U.S., 662,566 have criminal records. Deporting these individuals would cost approximately $8 billion.
By contrast, if they were to commit additional crimes, the total cost—including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—would exceed $166.5 billion. This estimate, based on data from the National Institute of Justice, shows that the cost of crime is over 21 times higher than the cost of deportation.
Despite these facts, mainstream media outlets have uncritically echoed the AIC’s inflated figures, often presenting deportation as an insurmountable financial burden. The AIC’s October report estimated a “one-time” cost of $316 billion to deport 13 million illegal aliens, averaging $24,231 per deportee. This figure still surpasses ICE’s historical averages.
These exaggerated claims create unnecessary alarm and ignore the real-world evidence supporting large-scale deportations.
Beyond the financial benefits, deporting criminal aliens is a matter of upholding the rule of law and protecting American communities. Allowing individuals with criminal records to remain in the country undermines public safety and erodes trust in the justice system.
As former President Trump prepares for a potential crackdown on illegal immigration, understanding the true costs and benefits of deportation is crucial. By prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens, the U.S. can send a clear message about its commitment to the law and its citizens.
The debate over deportation costs underscores the importance of relying on factual data rather than alarmist projections. Policymakers must consider the economic and societal impacts of maintaining millions of illegal aliens with criminal records versus enforcing immigration laws.
Deporting these individuals isn’t just a matter of fiscal responsibility; it’s a necessary step toward ensuring national security and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. By reallocating resources, leveraging existing facilities, and fostering cooperation between federal and local authorities, the U.S. can implement an effective deportation strategy that benefits all Americans.
In a time of polarized opinions and media narratives, focusing on practical solutions is essential. Deportation, particularly for those with criminal records, remains a cost-effective and vital tool for protecting the nation’s interests.