GAO Finds ICE Wasted Millions on Detention Expansion

GAO released a report on September 24, 2026 finding ICE wasted tens of millions of dollars expanding detention as the detained population grew from about 39,000 in January 2025 to 67,000 by July 30, 2026. ICE received $45 billion for the expansion. Nearly $3 million bought Guantánamo Bay tents for 5,000 beds that never met standards and were never used. DOD devoted $43 million there for an average daily population of 16 in fiscal year 2026. ICE wasted more than $11 million at Camp East Montana, including prepaid meals, and spent nearly $1.07 billion on 11 warehouses. Alligator Alcatraz closed in June 2026. The GAO said that without a comprehensive strategic plan ICE has wasted funds on unsuccessful initiatives and lacks long-term affordability information. It warned ICE will likely keep making uninformed decisions and risk further waste. DHS paused the warehouse plan after a leadership change and will produce a strategic plan by August 2027. GAO said more timely completion may be warranted given multi-year funding.