U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities have reportedly “maxed out” on bed space following heightened border security measures by the Trump administration.
According to Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, ICE and Department of Homeland Security senior staff revealed the information on a “background call” with various reporters. Per these officials, the number of illegal aliens currently in detention sits at 47,600.
Over 32,000 criminally present illegal aliens have been arrested during the first 50 days of the second Trump administration. Melugin—who said the number could be closer to 33,000—reported senior officials broke the numbers down into the following categories:
- Convicted criminals: 14,111
- Pending charges: 9,980
- Immigration violations (otherwise present illegally): 8,000+
As ICE reckons with space restrictions, the Texas General Land Office acquired a 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County and completed a border wall construction project.
Texas Scorecard asked Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham if the Trump administration had expressed any interest in utilizing some of that land for the construction of more ICE detention facilities to assist in the deportation process.
Buckingham said, “At this point, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken the lead in conversations with the Trump Administration on how our state can best aid in this mission and I am standing by to help in any way I can.”
She expressed appreciation to President Donald Trump for “keeping his promise to the American people by removing illegal criminals who pose a threat to the safety of our sons and daughters.”
The land commissioner stated that national security is paramount to the success of the United States—and that can only be achieved once the southern border is completely secured.
“I applaud our talented DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan’s dedication to safeguarding Americans,” Buckingham said. “As always, the Texas General Land Office is prepared to be a good partner to the Trump Administration should they need our assistance.”
