The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has informed lawmakers that implementing the Laken Riley Act, an anti-illegal immigration bill, will require an additional $3 billion to accommodate a projected need for 60,000 more detention beds.

The Laken Riley Act, which recently passed the House and is anticipated to clear the Senate, mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for theft-related offenses. It also empowers states to sue the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for perceived failures in immigration enforcement. The bill is named in honor of Laken Riley, a Georgia student tragically killed by a Venezuelan national without legal status last year, and has garnered bipartisan support.

ICE agents making an arrest. (ICE ERO El Paso/X)

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, ICE revealed that it has identified tens of thousands of individuals, both currently in detention and not, who would meet the criteria for arrest under the Laken Riley Act. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) estimates over 60,000 individuals on its national docket would fall under the act's provisions. This information was initially reported by Politico.

The agency estimates a $3.2 billion increase in funding would be necessary to accommodate the increased detention capacity. This includes the establishment of 10 new Mobile Crisis Assistance Teams (MCAT) and additional law enforcement personnel across eight field offices, requiring an additional $15 million and associated equipment costs.

Significantly, ICE states it already possesses the authority to execute the act's requirements and doesn't need additional legal powers. However, the agency cautioned that without the necessary increase in bed space, it might be forced to release tens of thousands of individuals currently in custody, potentially including those deemed public safety threats.

An ICE agent monitors asylum seekers. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

ICE highlighted the challenges of implementation, including officer resources and non-cooperation from state and local law enforcement partners, particularly in sanctuary cities.

This isn't the first time ICE has raised concerns about funding. In its FY24 report, the agency noted existing underfunding and the strain of increased responsibilities without commensurate resources.