Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terminated two migrant support programs due to high costs and limited effectiveness.
At a Glance
- ICE ends Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS) and Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP)
- Programs aimed to increase compliance among non-detained migrants
- Decision based on high operational costs and minimal benefits
- ICE continues to rely on “Alternatives to Detention” program
- Over 7 million migrants currently in ICE’s non-detained docket
ICE Discontinues Costly Migrant Support Programs
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has made the decision to shut down two programs designed to assist migrants in complying with their release conditions. The Wraparound Stabilization Service (WSS) and the Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP) have been terminated due to their substantial operational costs and perceived limited benefits.
These programs were initially implemented (it is claimed) to increase compliance among the more than 7 million migrants currently in ICE’s non-detained docket. However, after careful evaluation, ICE determined that the programs did not significantly improve compliance rates, making their continuation financially unjustifiable.
ICE shuts down programs offering services to illegal immigrants, citing ‘immense’ costs https://t.co/HuXY9mePzn
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 31, 2024
WSS and YACMP: A Closer Look
The Wraparound Stabilization Service, launched in February 2020, offered psychosocial and behavioral health support to migrants. Despite its intentions, the program only managed to improve compliance by a mere 2%. ICE officials concluded that this minimal improvement did not justify the program’s substantial costs.
“ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) notes the challenge with the WSS was its immense cost with little improvement,” ICE said.
The Young Adult Case Management Program, initiated in 2023, focused on providing legal and social services to 18- and 19-year-old migrants across 16 cities. However, ICE determined that this program was misaligned with its core mission and priorities. Consequently, the agency decided not to renew the vendor contract for YACMP in June.
“In addition to fiscal limitations, a review of the program revealed that YACMP does not align with ERO’s mission or priorities,” ICE stated.
ICE’s Continued Reliance on “Alternatives to Detention”
While discontinuing the WSS and YACMP, ICE continues to rely on its “Alternatives to Detention” program. This initiative employs technologies such as GPS tracking and smartphone check-ins to ensure high participation in court proceedings. ICE reports that this program has been effective, with high compliance rates for court appearances.
In the fiscal year 2024, out of 181,000 migrants enrolled in the “Alternatives to Detention” program, 3,913 were charged with crimes, resulting in 688 convictions. ICE maintains that this program aligns more closely with its mission and provides a more cost-effective approach to managing non-detained migrants.
