Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terminated two migrant support programs due to high costs and minimal benefits, while an alternative program shows promise.
At a Glance
- ICE ends Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS) and Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP)
- Programs aimed to increase compliance among over 7 million non-detained migrants
- Decision based on budgetary constraints and limited effectiveness
- “Alternatives to Detention” program shows high compliance rates
- In FY 2024, 3,913 out of 181,000 migrants in alternative program charged with crimes
ICE Terminates Costly Migrant Support Programs
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the termination of two programs designed to assist migrants in complying with release conditions. The decision comes as the agency grapples with budget constraints and reassesses the effectiveness of its initiatives. The terminated programs, the Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS) and the Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP), were aimed at providing essential support to migrants in ICE’s non-detained docket, which currently includes over 7 million individuals.
The WSS program, launched in February 2020, offered psychosocial and behavioral health support to migrants. However, ICE’s analysis revealed that the program only improved compliance by a mere 2%, while incurring substantial costs. Similarly, the YACMP, introduced in 2023, provided legal and social services to 18- and 19-year-old migrants in 16 cities but was ultimately deemed misaligned with ICE’s mission.
ICE shuts down programs offering services to illegal immigrants, citing ‘immense’ costs https://t.co/HuXY9mePzn
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 31, 2024
ICE Cites Budgetary Reasons and Minimal Benefits
ICE’s decision to discontinue these programs was primarily driven by financial considerations and their limited impact on improving compliance among migrants. The agency communicated its rationale to lawmakers in response to inquiries about its “Alternatives to Detention” program.
“ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations [ERO] notes the challenge with the WSS was its immense cost with little improvement” – ICE
This statement underscores the agency’s pragmatic approach to resource allocation, prioritizing cost-effectiveness in its operations. ICE further elaborated on its decision regarding the YACMP, stating that the program’s misalignment with the agency’s core objectives contributed to its termination.
FIRST ON FOX: ICE has ended two programs that provide social services to illegal immigrants, telling lawmakers that one brings "immense cost with little improvement" and that another is out of line with the agency's mission. https://t.co/2UqONcYhG1 pic.twitter.com/JvpqH6EDsc
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 31, 2024
“Alternatives to Detention” Program Shows Promise
While ICE has discontinued the WSS and YACMP, the agency reports success with its “Alternatives to Detention” program. This initiative employs technologies such as GPS tracking and smartphone check-ins to monitor non-detained migrants. ICE claims that this approach has resulted in high compliance rates for court appearances, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing the migrant population while conserving resources.
“As a result, ERO determined WSS was not cost effective enough to continue paying for these services when they did not benefit ICE or help the agency further its mission” – ICE
The success of the “Alternatives to Detention” program is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by ICE in managing a large non-detained migrant population. In fiscal year 2024, out of 181,000 migrants enrolled in this program, 3,913 were charged with crimes, resulting in 688 convictions. These figures suggest that while the program is not without its challenges, it appears to be more effective than the terminated initiatives in achieving ICE’s objectives.
