U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a significant expansion of immigration enforcement operations in 2026, backed by $170 billion in new funding approved by Congress this July. The plan includes intensified workplace raids and expanded detention capacity, despite growing public disapproval ahead of next year's midterm elections.
Funding and Enforcement Priorities
The Republican-controlled Congress allocated funds through September 2029 to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol – a ninefold annual budget increase from current levels. Administration officials confirm the resources will enable recruitment of thousands of new agents, establishment of detention facilities, and partnerships with private companies to track undocumented individuals.
Political Challenges Emerge
Public support for Trump's immigration policies has dropped 9 percentage points since March 2025, according to recent polls. This decline follows high-profile raids in major cities and comes as analysts identify inflation control as a key voter concern for November's congressional elections.
Economic Implications
The planned focus on workplace enforcement risks disrupting agricultural and manufacturing sectors reliant on immigrant labor. Economists warn replacement workers could drive up production costs, potentially countering the administration's anti-inflation efforts.
Legal Status Revocations Accelerate
Beyond undocumented immigrants, the administration has revoked temporary protections for over 600,000 Haitians, Venezuelans, and Afghans since 2025. Recent measures also target legal immigrants through green card interview arrests and student visa cancellations.
