Fact Check: Does each ICE deportation cost taxpayers at least $17,000?

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Claimant: Social Media


Claim: Each ICE deportation costs taxpayers at least $17,000.


Rating: TRUE


Explanation: ICE reports that arresting, detaining, and deporting an individual costs an average minimum of $17,121. Independent analyses, such as from the Penn Wharton Budget Model, estimate far higher real costs—averaging roughly $70,236 per deportation—due to transportation, detention, legal processes, and administrative resources.


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Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check

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