U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reportedly considering a plan to release thousands of migrants held in detention facilities due to a lack of funding to sustain operations. Detention facility operations amount to some of the costliest expenses for the agency. To trim costs while facing a budget deficit, more migrants could potentially be released in the U.S., according to drafted plans first obtained by The Washington Post.

The immigrants detained by ICE crossed the border illegally or are charged with crimes and awaiting deportation. Because of the historic number of crossings at the southern border in 2023, the demand on resources is straining the entire immigration system and burning through funding.

ICE has an annual budget of $8.5 billion but faces a $700 million deficit. It is the largest shortfall the agency says it has faced in recent years, according to the Post.