ICE Detention Beds New Stumbling Block In Efforts To Prevent Another Shutdown

PHOTO: With some Democrats calling to abolish ICE, Congressional negotiators want to cap the number of the agency’s detention beds. CREDIT: Scott Olson/Getty Images

BY BRIAN NAYLOR, NPR

As the clock ticks towards a Friday deadline to avert another partial government shutdown, a new stumbling block has emerged in talks between Congressional Democrats and the White House: Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention beds.

The Trump administration said last month it wanted $4.2 billion to support 52,000 detention beds. “Given that in recent months, the number of people attempting to cross the border illegally has risen to 2,000 per day, providing additional resources for detention and transportation is essential,” the White House said.

But Democrats are seeking to cap the number of detention beds. In a statement Sunday, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., asserted that “A cap on ICE detention beds will force the Trump administration to prioritize deportation for criminals and people who pose real security threats, not law-abiding immigrants who are contributing to our country.”