ICE Loses Track of Its Money, Where Did It Go?

Critics of the 287(g) program, which gives local police permission to enforce federal immigration laws, were given a boost to their cause after a report released Friday revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had lost track of its money.

The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general said his office was unable to obtain enough documentation to determine whether ICE was properly spending the $11.1 million it was given by Congress to review the 287(g) program.

Part of the problem that drew attention to the possible misuse of the money is that it was reported that ICE spent almost three times what was needed on flights, hotels, and per diems for federal officials to travel to cities taking part in 287(g). ICE reported spending $6,329 per person for 72 officials to travel for reviews, though the inspector general’s office discovered that costs to travel to even the most expensive locations should not have exceeded $2,300 per person.

In a statement, ICE spokesperson, Gillian Brigham, told the Washington Independent, “We are reviewing the report’s findings and will respond when that review is complete. That said, ICE has addressed the accounting issue identified in the report.”