ICE Makes Cities Less Safe, Say Half of Americans, While Budget Soars
A recent survey highlighted by The Hill suggests widespread public apprehension regarding ICE activities, with 50% of respondents feeling the agency makes their cities less safe. What The Hill's article omits, however, is the escalating budget for an agency that many perceive as detrimental to community well-being. According to public records, ICE's budget has ballooned from $5.7 billion in 2017
to over $8 billion for fiscal year 2023, funding expanded operations despite persistent public criticism and mounting allegations of abuse. One might wonder: if half the population senses a decline in safety attributed to ICE, whose safety is the agency actually prioritizing? This isn't just about 'enforcement'; it's about a revolving door of contractors enriching themselves while public trust
erodes. The question isn't whether ICE makes cities less safe, but how much more money will Congress throw at an agency that consistently fails to gain public confidence, all while 'leaders' lament border crises they actively exacerbate.