How a $75 billion windfall from Congress has insulated ICE - NPR

Congress approved roughly $75 billion for immigration enforcement last year, enabling ICE to operate at scale even during a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown and reducing congressional leverage for immediate reforms. Yet courts have overwhelmingly rebuked ICE detention practices—ruling against the agency in about 90% of related cases—which creates legal constraints and reputational risks despite the funding that sustains operations. The combination of robust funding and consistent judicial setbacks complicates enforcement strategies and the prospects for expanding mandatory detention without further litigation.