ICEâs new budget ranks it among the worldâs top 20 military spenders | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAriana BaioThursday 17 July 2025 01:27 BSTSurgical staff confront ICE as they attempt to detain landscaperImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has received an unprecedented budget increase, with its annual funding rising from $8.7 billion to approximately $27.7 billion, and $75 billion allocated over the next four years.This significant financial boost, enacted under the president's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, positions ICE's annual budget higher than the military spending of many nations, including Iran and Turkey, placing it among the top 20 most funded militaries worldwide.The increased funding is intended to expand immigration detention facilities and significantly bolster staffing to support the administration's mass deportation agenda.The budget increase has sparked considerable alarm among immigrants and advocates, who fear more widespread ICE raids, detainments that circumvent due process, and a rise in protests across the country.Concerns include reports of deaths during ICE raids, arrests occurring at immigration court appointments, and deportations to third countries without proper legal hearings, as exemplified by cases such as Kilmar Abrego Garcia.In fullICE is now richer than most of worldâs militaries thanks to Trumpâs new fundingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in