To the surprise of many, Immigration and Customs Enforcement began to release detainees from immigration custody this week due to federal budget constraints and the possible forced spending cuts by Congress. They released the following statement to the American Immigration Lawyers Association yesterday:
“As fiscal uncertainty remains over the continuing resolution and possible sequestration, ICE has reviewed its detained population to ensure detention levels stay within ICE’s current budget. Over the last week, ICE has reviewed several hundred cases and placed these individuals on methods of supervision less costly than detention. All of these individuals remain in removal proceedings. Priority for detention remains on serious criminal offenders and other individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety.”
