The Financial Implications of Mass Deportation in the U.S.
An innovative tool by the Economic Policy Institute reveals the extensive costs associated with mass deportation in the United States. This tool, as highlighted by Axios, draws from a July spending report indicating that over $268 billion has been allocated for deportation activities under the Trump administration, projected through 2029.
Gordon Lafer, a University of Oregon professor and Economic Policy Institute research associate, dissected this data to illustrate the financial impact on various regions and potential alternative uses for these funds.
“There were a lot of people earlier this year saying ‘we’re wasting all this money on the war in Iran,’ or … ‘the war in Iran is costing us this much money,’ and the deportations are four or five times the war in Iran to date,” Lafer said. “Nobody is talking about that.”
The calculator reveals significant taxpayer costs in specific locations. For instance, Tucson residents pay over $1,000 each, funds that could alternatively support more than 700 teachers or over 400 nurses.
In Phoenix, the expenditure surpasses a billion dollars, equating to over $2,000 per person. This amount could provide SNAP benefits to over 479,000 individuals, fund more than 51,000 public housing units, or fulfill various other needs.
Lafer emphasizes that even in less populated areas, the financial burden on taxpayers is considerable, though the total contribution might be smaller.
“When you say six teachers, in a school system of 1,000 kids, you can picture where they go, and when you say 500 people who can stay on food stamps instead of being kicked off, you may know some of them,” he explained.
The estimated $268 billion encompasses expenses for detention facilities, deportation flights, ICE agents, and other components of the mass deportation initiative, all part of significant spending plans such as the GOP’s One Big, Beautiful Bill.
However, the report suggests the actual figure is likely higher, as it does not account for all federal agency contributions or state and local government costs.
According to government data, most individuals detained in immigration centers nationwide lack criminal records.
—
Read More Arizona News
