The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has discontinued two programs designed to provide social services to undocumented immigrants released into the United States, citing significant costs and a misalignment with the agency’s core mission. This decision, communicated to lawmakers in response to an inquiry from Republican representatives, highlights a shift in priorities and approach towards managing the increasing non-detained immigration docket.
The move comes as a response to a letter from Rep. Byron Donalds and 15 other members of Congress who sought clarification on the “Alternatives to Detention” (ATD) program. While ICE defended the ATD program as an effective tool for monitoring a portion of the nearly 7.7 million individuals on ICE’s non-detained docket – a number that has surged under the current administration – the agency revealed the termination of separate initiatives focused on social services.
ICE currently maintains approximately 40,000 detention beds, a stark contrast to the vast non-detained docket. Around 181,000 individuals are enrolled in the ATD program, which utilizes app check-ins or GPS monitoring to track migrants outside of detention facilities.
Border Arizona migrants
Termination of Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS)
One of the terminated programs is the Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS). Launched in February 2020, WSS partnered with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to offer “psychosocial and behavioral health support” to vulnerable immigrants and their families. These services were intended to provide additional stabilization for participants.
However, ICE stated that referrals to the WSS program ceased in July, and the agency deemed the program ineffective in achieving its objectives. According to ICE data, WSS participation only resulted in a marginal 2% increase in compliance rates compared to those who did not receive these services.
“ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations [ERO] notes the challenge with the WSS was its immense cost with little improvement,” the agency stated in its letter to lawmakers. “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.”
Previous assessments by ICE had already pointed out challenges within the WSS program, including complex referral processes, a growing number of participants, and insufficient resources to manage the program effectively.
Discontinuation of Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP)
The second program that has been discontinued is the Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP). ICE decided against renewing the vendor contract for YACMP in June. This program, initiated in 2023 and operating in 16 cities, provided 18- and 19-year-old migrants with access to legal services, screenings, referrals to social service programs, and screenings for human trafficking risks.
ICE clarified that “a review of the program revealed that YACMP does not align with ERO’s mission or priorities” in addition to “fiscal limitations.” The agency emphasized that these program terminations are part of a broader effort to address budgetary constraints and refocus resources on activities directly supporting ICE’s enforcement and removal operations.
Migrants CBP One
Alternatives to Detention (ATD) Program and Compliance Rates
While social service programs are being scaled back, ICE provided updates on the ATD program, specifically the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP). ISAP utilizes both app-based check-ins and GPS monitoring via ankle or wrist devices to track participants.
ICE reported a high overall court appearance rate of 98.6% for ATD participants, with 90.4% appearing for final hearings. As of September, 13.2% of participants were monitored with GPS devices, and the average program duration was 511.9 days.
Lawmakers also inquired about criminal activity among ATD participants. ICE data for fiscal year 2024 indicated 3,913 charges and 688 convictions for individuals in the program. These included serious offenses such as 10 sex offense convictions, two homicide convictions, and four kidnapping convictions, alongside 364 traffic offense convictions and 65 assault convictions.
Conservative Reactions and Future Policy Implications
The information disclosed by ICE has triggered responses from conservative circles, advocating for further reductions in services for undocumented immigrants. Lora Ries, Director of the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, criticized the social service programs as a “boondoggle” and called for a redirection of funds towards detention and deportation efforts.
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With the incoming Trump administration signaling a focus on increased deportations and stricter immigration enforcement, as reported by Fox News Digital, the termination of these social service programs may indicate a broader policy shift. President-elect Trump has pledged a “historic” mass deportation operation, and his transition team is reportedly considering expanding the use of ankle monitors for immigrants not in custody while aiming to reduce the overall number of non-detained individuals.
The debate over ICE’s role and resource allocation is expected to intensify as the political landscape shifts, with conservatives pushing for a law enforcement-focused approach and reduced social services for undocumented immigrants.
