ICE Announces Target of 1 Million Deportations Annually for 2026 and 2027

S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has established a target of 1 million deportations annually for 2026 and 2027. The agency included this goal in its budget explanation submitted to Congress several weeks ago.

ICE stated that it has the capacity to carry out these deportations. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, ICE deported 442,637 migrants. Of these, 166,939 had criminal records beyond illegal border crossing, representing 38% of the total.

This figure is lower than the 70% level previously reported by the Department of Homeland Security.

Deportation Capacity and Goals ICE plans to maintain 99,000 deportation beds in use each day for 2026 and 2027.

This planned capacity exceeds the figures in earlier agency planning documents from this year. The budget document outlines specific numerical targets for deportations, including 500,000 criminal deportations annually for both years. The deportation target encompasses both removals and returns.

A removal constitutes a formal deportation process, which includes a bar on reentry and potential criminal penalties for attempts to return. A return involves an agreement by the migrant to leave voluntarily, avoiding the formal removal process and associated costs.

Background and Context Reports indicate that ICE deported dozens of migrants from countries including Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, China, Guatemala, and El Salvador across the McAllen–Hidalgo–Reynosa International Bridge in McAllen, Texas, on March 13, 2026.

This action reflects ongoing enforcement activities. The agency also set a goal of 400,000 immigration-related arrests per year. Jessica Vaughan, policy studies director at the Center for Immigration Studies, stated that using returns provides ICE with additional options for enforcement.

She noted that returns are not applied to individuals with serious criminal records or those requiring stricter consequences. For migrants with only immigration violations or minor offenses like traffic violations, returns serve as a cost-effective method, preferring airline tickets over extended detention.

The budget explanation emphasizes ICE's commitment to enforcing immigration laws amid operational challenges over the past year, including legal proceedings.

This target aligns with broader immigration enforcement efforts. Congress will review the budget submission as part of its oversight process. S. border communities through enforcement operations. The increased capacity and targets may influence resource allocation for detention and transportation.

Future fiscal years will depend on congressional funding approvals.