Surge in Border Crossings Strains ICE Resources, Posing 'Huge Vulnerability'

A surge in the number of migrants on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) non-detained docket has reached a staggering 7.4 million cases, putting immense strain on the agency's resources and leaving a "huge vulnerability" for potential national security threats, according to a former FBI assistant director and federal sources.

The non-detained docket has more than doubled since President Biden took office in 2021, when it had just under 3.7 million cases. The docket, which provides case management support to released migrants, has been exacerbated by staffing issues at ICE, which only has about 6,000 deportation officers across the country, not all of whom work on the non-detained docket.

Surge in Border Crossings Strains ICE Resources, Posing 'Huge Vulnerability'

As a result, each ICE officer working the docket is responsible for managing an average of 7,000 cases, a workload that is essentially impossible at current manpower and resource levels, according to federal sources. The increased pace of border crossings is putting heavy strain on ICE employees, who are also tasked with tracking down and removing nearly 1.9 million recorded getaways that have entered the country since Biden took office.

These migrants have not had any contact with the Department of Homeland Security, but they are still the responsibility of ICE officers. The agency's staffing shortage and overwhelming caseload are creating a "huge vulnerability," according to Chris Swecker, a former assistant FBI director.

Surge in Border Crossings Strains ICE Resources, Posing 'Huge Vulnerability'

Swecker warns that the situation poses a significant threat to national security, as it allows potential terrorists and other criminals to enter the country undetected. He also criticizes the Biden administration for failing to adequately address the border crisis, arguing that it has made the United States a less safe place.

In response to the surge in border crossings, the Biden administration has pointed to a bipartisan border security bill that failed to clear the Senate. The White House argues that the legislation would have added funding and resources to critical agencies such as ICE. However, critics argue that the bill did not go far enough to address the root causes of the border crisis.

Surge in Border Crossings Strains ICE Resources, Posing 'Huge Vulnerability'

The surge in the non-detained docket and the lack of resources to address it are creating a serious threat to national security. The Biden administration must act swiftly to address the crisis and secure the border.

In the meantime, ICE officers are doing the best they can with the resources they have. They are working tirelessly to track down and remove illegal immigrants, but they are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cases. The agency needs more staff and resources in order to effectively carry out its mission.

Surge in Border Crossings Strains ICE Resources, Posing 'Huge Vulnerability'

The American people deserve to be safe and secure. The Biden administration must do more to address the border crisis and protect the nation from potential threats.