---
title: "US ICE Wasted Millions on Unused Detention Facilities, Report Says"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/us-ice-wasted-millions-on-unused-detention-facilities-report-says"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/us-ice-wasted-millions-on-unused-detention-facilities-report-says"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/us-ice-wasted-millions-on-unused-detention-facilities-report-says.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/us-ice-wasted-millions-on-unused-detention-facilities-report-says"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-24T17:25:29.855Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-24T16:42:07.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-24T19:45:17.156Z"
trust_score: 60
critic_score: 70
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-25T08:47:31.000Z"
---

# US ICE Wasted Millions on Unused Detention Facilities, Report Says

*Government watchdog found significant spending on projects that never housed detainees.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 60 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the GAO, and two independent outlets published full reports.
- Craft 70 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates facts from comment and includes specific figures, dates, and names.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language is measured and proportionate, with a headline that accurately reflects the article's content.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies have wasted tens of millions of dollars on plans to increase detention capacity, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
- The GAO documented nearly $3 million for unused tents at Guantanamo Bay and $20 million for warehouses that were never used for detainees.
- Congress provided ICE with $45 billion to expand detention capacity last year, but the agency lacks a comprehensive strategic plan for its spending.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated it would develop a plan by August 31, 2027, to guide detention expansion.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies have wasted tens of millions of dollars pursuing plans to increase detention capacity, according to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The agency documented problems in initiatives ICE pursued since January 2025, including nearly $3 million for unused tents at Guantanamo Bay and $20 million for warehouses that were never used for detainees. Congress provided ICE with $45 billion to expand detention capacity last year, but the agency lacks a comprehensive strategic plan for its spending. The detainee population increased from 39,000 in January 2025 to 67,000 as of July 30. The Department of Homeland Security stated it would develop a plan by August 31, 2027, to guide detention expansion.

## Specific instances of waste

The GAO report detailed several instances of significant expenditure on unused facilities. This included $2.85 million for tents at Guantanamo Bay intended to hold 5,000 people, which were never used as they did not meet detention standards. Additionally, ICE purchased 11 warehouses for $1.07 billion as part of a plan to increase capacity. However, this plan was scrapped before any detainees were housed. ICE spent $20 million on costs and services related to seven of these warehouses that will not be recovered, including zoning assessments, title insurance, utilities, and security. The agency is planning to sell these seven facilities.

Further costs were incurred for four warehouses ICE plans to keep, including a $426 million outlay to renovate facilities in Arizona and Maryland that is on hold due to legal challenges. The report also found fault with other initiatives, such as ICE never reaching a contract with Florida to operate a facility nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz.' Instead, the Department of Homeland Security agreed to reimburse the state through a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant at a rate of $249 per detainee per day, which is 171% higher than ICE's normal rate of $92. DHS is also paying this higher rate for a second facility in Sanderson, Florida.

## Omissions in coverage

None of the right-rated digests mention the specific figures of nearly $3 million for unused tents at Guantanamo Bay or $20 million for warehouses that were never used for detainees. The right-rated digest also does not mention the detainee population increase from 39,000 in January 2025 to 67,000 as of July 30.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 100 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 52% (52)
- Centre: 34% (34)
- Right: 14% (14)

12 of 112 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-25T08:47:31.000Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 65 times; 2 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-25T09:45:31.861Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The Independent (US) and abc News each led on the finding that ICE wasted tens of millions of dollars on detention projects, and the same claim appears in digests from The Seattle Times, The Independent, Oskaloosa Herald, The Hamilton Spectator, Bangor Daily News, Associated Press News, St Catharines Standard, Bloomberg Law, Iowa Capital Dispatch and Daily Montanan.
- The Independent (US) added that the GAO warned ICE of continued inefficiency without a strategic plan, cited a $45 billion funding increase, and detailed a $2.85 million tent programme at Guantanamo that never housed detainees. abc News repeated those points and also noted an average of 16 detainees daily at Guantanamo, costing millions.
- The digests did not mention the $2.85 million tent cost, the average of 16 detainees daily, or the GAO’s direct warning phrase. They also omitted the specific $45 billion funding figure, which appears only in the full reports.

### Centre

- The centre-rated outlets reported that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasted tens of millions of dollars on detention projects. The Government Accountability Office found that these initiatives were ill-conceived and that mismanagement would likely increase the total cost.
- Reports from WKMG and Washington Top News detailed nearly $3 million spent on unused tents at Guantanamo Bay and $20 million for warehouses that were never used for detainees. These outlets also noted excessive rates paid at a Florida facility.
- These reports stated that ICE lacked a strategic plan for its detention capacity expansion, despite receiving $45 billion. The detainee population had grown from 39,000 in January 2025 to 67,000 by July 30, according to the reports.

### Right

- The Washington Times digest stated that ICE's aim to quickly build its detention capacity has wasted millions of dollars, characterizing the approach as 'spend-first, ask-questions-later.' The report noted this assessment came from the government's top watchdog in a 'withering new audit.' The digest mentioned the wasted millions of dollars but did not provide specific figures for the unused tents or warehouses.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 2
- mixed: 4
- high: 41
- unknown: 12
- veryHigh: 53

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/agency-oversight/2026/09/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [Straight Arrow News](https://san.com/cc/uninformed-decisions-led-to-ice-wasting-millions-on-detention-facility-expansion-government-watchdog) — ‘Uninformed decisions’ led to ICE wasting millions on detention facility expansion: Government watchdog
- [Dailyfly - Lewis Clark Valley News](https://dailyfly.com/2026/09/24/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Phil's Stock World](https://philstockworld.com/2026/09/24/gao-finds-ice-wasted-millions-of-dollars-in-deportation-push) — GAO finds ICE ‘wasted’ millions of dollars in deportation push
- [[your]NEWS](https://yournews.com/2026/09/24/7205844/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Florida Phoenix](https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [thedailybs.com](https://thedailybs.com/2026/09/24/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions - The Daily Bo Snerdley
- [Georgia Recorder](https://georgiarecorder.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [South Dakota Searchlight](https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Idaho Capital Sun](https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Star Local](https://starlocalmedia.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_d336fd9b-f143-5ecf-9b15-88b289754d38.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Columbia Gorge News](https://columbiagorgenews.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_629fe5b1-5d44-5fd0-8ef3-fd2a3ad6683e.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Floyd Chronicle & Times](https://floydct.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_a98c75b6-21c7-5fa1-8548-f76fcd9bf0ba.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [gonzagabulletin.com](https://gonzagabulletin.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_58a95cf8-18c6-57eb-89a3-aa1f33029ef7.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Shelby News](https://shelbynews.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_5ffd7c29-16a4-5b1c-9b29-3b09579048b5.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Marietta Daily Journal](https://mdjonline.com/extra/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_3ab62d5d-7109-53f5-a8e0-5250f49f8627.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Daily Post-Athenian](https://dailypostathenian.com/news/national/article_8a65d071-db19-5d9e-9044-72e26aca563c.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Bryan Times](https://bryantimes.com/news/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_01fb92cf-00b9-5164-82e3-17d65415c1e1.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [The Courier-Times](https://thecouriertimes.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_8457680d-fc6e-50bd-bc29-7624f650162b.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [romesentinel.com](https://romesentinel.com/ce/news/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_ec2f99ac-794b-594d-982a-7072f993545f.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [hazard-herald.com](https://hazard-herald.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_b993a500-453a-5c41-aae4-ec20352d730d.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [News-Topic](https://newstopicnews.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_4476bdcf-eb0f-5637-bc2f-9d1fb3c17e04.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [The Center Square](https://thecentersquare.com/national/article_f5ce180c-0612-459b-9e56-5ae5c3f002ee.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [CoMo BUZ](https://comobuz.com/townnews/politics/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_ade8aaf6-7313-572e-9f33-dcab449907d2.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Appalachian News-Express](https://news-expressky.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_d95165db-2f5e-5561-a853-cf97981136da.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Watauga Democrat](https://wataugademocrat.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_9e571cfd-1a08-5041-a000-1a8fab5d8d96.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [The Indiana Gazette Online](https://indianagazette.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_94fce8bb-0b7f-53b2-8f8e-e71ddc0a2a6b.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Mountain Democrat](https://mtdemocrat.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_8d7cbce1-30a1-50cc-8c2a-714492f02e9b.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [KTEN](https://kten.com/news/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_b57f72a4-ff32-5bfa-a1f8-42fd7eeb21a8.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [InsideNoVA.com](https://insidenova.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_f8d0f3ff-61c2-5e01-88f1-3ed7e6c9dae9.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [The Daily Courier](https://thedigitalcourier.com/news/national/ice-sunk-20m-into-abandoned-detention-center-expansions/article_b153133e-9da3-562c-837f-1d5d9c79ce90.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [charitonleader.com](https://charitonleader.com/news/national/article_d8fb9f4c-03f3-5b60-baff-9cda9dc24c1a.html) — ICE sunk $20M into abandoned detention center expansions
- [Conexión Migrante](https://conexionmigrante.com/2026-/09-/24/ice-desperdicio-millones-en-proyectos-antiinmigrantes-deficientes) — ICE Wasted Tens of Millions on Poor Anti-Immigrant Projects: Report
- [PBS NewsHour](https://pbs.org/newshour/politics/ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-with-uninformed-detention-plans-gao-finds) — ICE has wasted tens of millions of dollars with 'uninformed' detention plans, GAO finds
- [nowgeorgia.com](https://nowgeorgia.com/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention - Now Georgia
- [washingtonsun.com](https://washingtonsun.com/immigration/ice-wasted-detention-expansion) — A Watchdog Says ICE Wasted Millions in Its Detention Expansion
- [Nebraska Examiner](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Colorado Newsline](https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/09/24/repub/dollars-wasted-trump-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Alaska Beacon](https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Missouri Independent](https://missouriindependent.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [westvirginiawatch.com](https://westvirginiawatch.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention • West Virginia Watch
- [Pennsylvania Capital-Star](https://penncapital-star.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [arkansasadvocate.com](https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Source New Mexico](https://sourcenm.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Oregon Capital Chronicle](https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [NBC New York](https://nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/6551906) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC Boston](https://nbcboston.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/4020431) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC Connecticut](https://nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/3778388) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC Miami](https://nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/3864077) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC Philadelphia](https://nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/4468872) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Kansas Reflector](https://kansasreflector.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [New Hampshire Bulletin](https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Wisconsin Examiner](https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Vijesti](https://vijesti.me/svijet/globus/828290/izvjestaj-ice-rasipa-desetine-miliona-dolara-na-nepromisljene-projekte-za-pritvor-migranata) — Report: ICE Is Wasting Tens of Millions of Dollars on Ill-Advised Migrant Detention Projects
- [Daily Montanan](https://dailymontanan.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [rhodeislandcurrent.com](https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Michigan Advance](https://michiganadvance.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Iowa Capital Dispatch](https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention
- [Louisiana Illuminator](https://lailluminator.com/2026/09/24/repub/waste-trump-immigration) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration's immigration detention push
- [Santa New Mexican](https://santafenewmexican.com/ap/national/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_1c583309-9b02-52da-adc4-c53360c0af70.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [mainemorningstar.com](https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/24/repub/millions-of-dollars-of-waste-found-in-trump-administration-push-for-immigration-detention) — Millions of dollars of waste found in Trump administration push for immigration detention • Maine Morning Star
- [Arizona Mirror](https://azmirror.com/2026/09/24/repub/ice-wasted-millions-expanding-detention-without-a-plan-in-trump-push-for-mass-deportation) — ICE wasted millions expanding detention without a plan in Trump push for mass deportation
- [n1info.rs](https://n1info.rs/svet/izvestaj-ice-rasipa-desetine-miliona-dolara-na-nepromisljene-projekte-za-pritvor-migranata) — Report: ICE Is Wasting Tens of Millions of Dollars on Ill-Advised Migrant Detention Projects
- [Clarin](https://clarin.com/estados-unidos/el-ice-derrocha-decenas-de-millones-de-dolares-en-proyectos-de-detencion-desinformados-informe_0_uczDQjz0lR.html) — ICE Wastes Tens of Millions of Dollars on “Uninformed” Detention Projects: Report
- [LancasterOnline](https://lancasteronline.com/lavoz/estados-unidos/el-ice-derrocha-decenas-de-millones-de-d-lares-en-proyectos-de-detenci-n-desinformados/article_a9202b67-0e34-5774-8812-54939a2cb121.html) — ICE Wastes Tens of Millions of Dollars on “Uninformed” Detention Projects: Report
- [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/america-latina/el-ice-derrocha-decenas-de-millones-de-dolares-en-proyectos-de-detencion-desinformados-informe-b3055964.html) — ICE Wastes Tens of Millions of Dollars on “Uninformed” Detention Projects: Report
- [NBC Dallas-Fort Worth](https://nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/4082363) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC Chicago](https://nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/3993581) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [WTVR](https://wtvr.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/11165258/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [PressNewsAgency](https://pressnewsagency.org/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/09/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds – WTOP News
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/09/24/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [El Vocero de Puerto Rico](https://elvocero.com/el-mundo/millones-en-tiendas-vac-as-y-almacenes-sin-usar-informe-cuestiona-gastos-del-ice/article_a334eed7-b92b-41f5-a04f-7d35ca3bf63c.html) — Millions in Empty Stores and Unused Stores: Report Questions ICE Spending
- [Politico](https://politico.com/news/2026/09/24/gao-trump-deportation-push-costs) — GAO finds ICE 'wasted' millions of dollars in deportation push
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' d
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/09/24/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/united-states/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_35ceb1cb-db06-5b28-bf2b-1ceb67f29b34.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/world/united-states/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_64dfcb2a-371f-5220-9a24-a866c93735a3.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_02a411ff-8cef-586d-81f4-05bb1e405651.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/government-accountability-office-donald-trump-department-of-homeland-security-guantanamo-bay-florida-b3055932.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/world/americas/government-accountability-office-donald-trump-department-of-homeland-security-guantanamo-bay-florida-b3055932.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_17de2973-2ce4-55f5-ae06-574cb358ec3c.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [pmg-ky3.com](https://pmg-ky3.com/ap/ap_news/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_7ad85632-2f40-5d16-92c8-1a77bfd7ff3f.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/ice-detention-waste-gao-report-7909a2cf777672e1483f5ed232e93cba) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [KTLA 5](https://ktla.com/news/ap-us-news/ap-ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on ‘uninformed’ detention projects, report finds
- [verdenews.com](https://verdenews.com/news/national/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_0b6bc72e-f0aa-50b2-a43d-72a9c98c9d4a.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [The Cumberland Times-News](https://times-news.com/news/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_a9a35db3-f2cd-5b47-b1b8-79c6131b14f8.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Yuma Sun](https://yumasun.com/news/state_news/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_3282bfb3-152c-5b3d-bb0d-438c82da5337.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Daily News-Record](https://dnronline.com/associated_press/national/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_90687019-fe75-55b6-8c58-08eb4ad2f482.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/national/2026/09/24/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/ice-wasting-tens-millions-dollars-uninformed-detention-projects-136725195) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/09/24/nation/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [KOB 4](https://kob.com/ap-top-news/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [The Sun Chronicle](https://thesunchronicle.com/news/nation_world/ice-is-wasting-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-uninformed-detention-projects-report-finds/article_c9ce895d-1731-545a-9cab-98b720412e86.html) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [Bloomberg Law](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/ice-wasted-over-20-million-to-expand-detention-watchdog-says) — ICE Wasted Over $20 Million to Expand Detention, Watchdog Says
- [KJRH](https://kjrh.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [KZTV](https://kztv10.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [NBC LA](https://nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/3946927) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC Bay Area](https://nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/4148198) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [NBC San Diego](https://nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/ice-wasting-millions-detention-projects-report/4078220) — ICE is wasting tens of millions of dollars on 'uninformed' detention projects, report finds
- [KPAX](https://kpax.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [KTVQ](https://ktvq.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [KXLH.com](https://kxlh.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [KBZK](https://kbzk.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [KTVH](https://ktvh.com/politics/immigration/new-report-alleges-ice-has-wasted-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-on-unused-detention-facilities) — New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities
- [PJ Media](https://pjmedia.com/david-manney/2026/09/24/the-deportation-push-needed-more-beds-it-didnt-need-20-million-in-waste-n4957614) — The Deportation Push Needed More Beds, Not $20 Million in Waste
- [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/24/ices-detention-plan-wasting-millions-dollars) — ICE's detention plan is wasting millions of dollars
- [libero.pe](https://libero.pe/estados-unidos/2026/09/24/alerta-maxima-inmigrantes-legales-indocumentados-en-estados-unidos-exponen-ice-desperdicio-decenas-de-millones-de-dolares-en-planes-expandir-arrestos-masivos-usa-ee-uu-lbeu-1004400) — ICE DESPERTED Tens of Millions in Plans to Expand 4RR3ST0S MASIVOS

## Questions

**How much money has ICE wasted on detention projects?**

According to a Government Accountability Office report, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies have wasted tens of millions of dollars on plans to increase detention capacity. Specific documented examples include nearly $3 million for unused tents at Guantanamo Bay and $20 million for warehouses that were never used for detainees.

**What was the total budget provided for detention capacity expansion?**

Congress provided ICE with $45 billion last year to expand detention capacity. However, the agency lacks a comprehensive strategic plan for how to spend this budget wisely, according to the GAO report.

**When will ICE develop a plan for detention expansion?**

The Department of Homeland Security, ICE's parent agency, told the GAO that it would develop a plan to guide its detention expansion by August 31, 2027. The report suggests this timeline may be too late to prevent further waste.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/us-ice-wasted-millions-on-unused-detention-facilities-report-says. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "US ICE Wasted Millions on Unused Detention Facilities, Report Says", https://mediabias.news/politics/us-ice-wasted-millions-on-unused-detention-facilities-report-says