A Fresh Look at ICE and the Cost to Communities

The new poll shows that about two‑thirds of Americans now view ICE, the federal immigration agency, with suspicion. This shift comes after a recent shooting in Minneapolis and is tied to how some politicians and the media talk about immigration enforcement. Many voters originally supported stricter laws when President Trump was in office, but the current debate has changed their views. Some state leaders are refusing to cooperate with ICE. Virginia, Illinois and Connecticut have all issued orders telling local police not to share information with the agency. New York’s governor also wants to cut ties, saying ICE is a “rogue” agency that creates fear. These moves could let criminals who have already been identified by ICE remain in the community. In New York, four armed men were caught after robbing a couple on West 47th Street. A judge released them quickly because of state laws that favor the accused. Three of those men had already been flagged by ICE for detainment. If ICE could act, the city would be safer.Crime statistics show that illegal immigrants commit offenses three times more often than legal residents. The agency has a record of removing people who pose threats, and it also helps free up federal welfare funds. In 2024, about 61 % of households headed by illegal immigrants used federal benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid, even though they are not legally eligible. The cost of these programs is estimated at $1. 5 trillion over the migrants’ lifetimes, with young adults without high school diplomas costing the most. Cities are reacting differently. New York City’s mayor announced that shelters could host roughly 31, 000 migrants indefinitely at a daily cost of $270 per family. Another mayor capped shelter stays to 30–60 days, but the longer stay plan is still in play. The mayor of New York City also banned ICE from accessing records of people who use public benefits, arguing that no one should fear applying for services because they are an immigrant. The debate isn’t just about crime. It’s also about the budget, the safety of neighborhoods and how public resources are shared. If ICE can remove people who pose risks or overstay visas, more funds could be redirected to help citizens in need. If it cannot, the city and state budgets will face larger deficits. The conversation continues across the country. Politicians on both sides argue over how much power ICE should have and whether it can be trusted to protect communities. The real question is how to balance enforcement with fairness and public safety.