Post

The Office of Management and Budget released its first fiscal 2027 apportionment of ICE’s OBBBA operations money on Oct. 20. Of about $43.5 billion in the account, OMB cleared about $7 billion for this year and held $36.6 billion for fiscal 2028. Let's take a peek.

What ICE can commit to spend right now: - $3.21 billion for detention space acquisition - $2 billion for transportation and removal - $598 million to hire officers - $120 million to hire lawyers - $56 million for bonuses - $645 million for 287(g), including $453 million to reimburse local police

It may not look like much now, but OMB can release more of this money at any time by issuing a new apportionment, including from the $36.6 billion it set aside for fiscal 2028. ICE has until Sept. 30, 2029, to commit all of it. Whatever is left uncommitted then expires and can’t go to new contracts.

We get asked a lot: “What happens if there’s a blue wave in November?” The answer is not a lot. This money is already law. Taking it back would require a new law, and President Trump can veto it. Overriding a veto takes two-thirds of both chambers. Even if Democrats sweep, they won't have it.

And remember: Congress also passed the Secure America Act in June, adding about $70 billion for ICE and CBP through 2029. A new majority could hold hearings and attach conditions to other spending bills. But OMB, which reports to Trump and not Congress, decides how fast that money is released.

Don’t let that discourage you. Vote now, vote again in 2028, and press your members of Congress on how they will vote to rein in DHS or dismantle it entirely.