Congress awarded ICE $240 billion before voters shifted power

Congress approved approximately $240 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol in 2026. The agency is currently the highest-funded federal law enforcement body in the United States. This funding allows the administration to continue mass deportation operations for the remainder of President Trump's term.

Voters in Texas elected a new political leadership focused on immigration reform. Gina Hinojosa will serve as the state's first Latina governor. Texans also elected their first Democratic U.S. senator in nearly 40 years. The Texas House of Representatives changed party control. Border counties that supported President Trump in 2024 flipped to the Democratic Party.

Exit polls identified immigration policy as a primary concern for voters. Artemio Muñiz of the Texas Federation of Hispanic Republicans stated that the Hispanic community grew frustrated with anti-immigrant policies. He argued that the Republican Party needs to offer a reasonable immigration solution. He suggested this solution should include secure borders and a legal pathway for long-term residents.

Governor-elect Hinojosa faces pressure to end the state's partnership with ICE. César Espinosa, executive director of the advocacy group FIEL, said this change could occur on her first day in office. Houston's mayor has already reduced police cooperation with federal agents. Nationwide, advocates are demanding stricter oversight or defunding of the agency.

House Oversight Committee Chair-elect Robert Garcia advised Republicans to prepare for scrutiny. He pledged to investigate ICE accountability. House Homeland Security Committee Chair-elect Bennie Thompson wants to mandate body-worn cameras for federal agents. He also proposed banning face coverings during operations. These rules would aim to increase transparency in the agency's work.

The White House responded to the election results with structural changes. Stephen Miller, the architect of the administration's mass deportation strategy, was promoted to Chief of Staff. He replaced Susie Wiles in this role. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin posted a three-word message on social media confirming that deportations will continue. Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican losses to economic concerns and the war with Iran, leaving immigration off the list of primary factors.

Private detention contractors are monitoring the political shift closely. CoreCivic and GEO Group held quarterly investor calls the day after the election. CoreCivic President Lucibeth Mayberry told investors that ICE has secure funding to increase enforcement. She advised the agency to move quickly on purchasing new detention facilities. The company noted that ICE began increasing enforcement activity immediately.