Federal Immigration Agencies See Dramatic Increase in Weapons Spending
Spending on firearms, ammunition, and less-lethal equipment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) surged dramatically last year, according to a new report released by Senator Adam Schiff of California. The report details a 360% increase in commitments for weapons-related purchases in 2025 compared to 2024, raising concerns about the escalating militarization of immigration enforcement and occurring against the backdrop of a continuing government shutdown stemming from disputes over Homeland Security funding and policy. This substantial increase in spending comes as ICE has significantly expanded its officer ranks, growing from 10,000 to 22,000 in the past year, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The timing of these increased purchases coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny of ICE and CBP tactics, particularly in Southern California, where residents have alleged instances of excessive force during enforcement operations. Reports have surfaced of federal agents firing upon individuals and deploying less-lethal projectiles, resulting in injuries at protests in Los Angeles and Orange County. The surge in spending on “less lethal” weapons, such as tasers and pepper ball guns, appears to be linked to the agencies’ response to these protests, according to John Sandweg, former acting director of ICE during the Obama administration. He suggested the increased investment was a direct result of agencies “burning through less-than-lethals” during these confrontations.
The report from Senator Schiff’s office reviewed government spending and procurement data, revealing that ICE committed $76 million to weapons-related purchases in 2025, a significant jump from the $16 million spent in 2024. Border Patrol mirrored this trend, with commitments reaching $3.1 million for rifles and $3.9 million for 9mm handguns, alongside a $250,000 allocation for submachine guns. Combined, the agencies contracted for over $30 million in ammunition and $25 million in less-lethal weaponry. These purchases were primarily made from two firearm manufacturers: Geissele Automatics and Glock Inc., with Geissele receiving over $9 million for “precision long guns and accessories” and Glock securing nearly $1.6 million for 9mm handguns and accessories.
Concerns Over Escalation and Accountability
The dramatic increase in weapons spending has sparked criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that it represents a dangerous escalation of force and a misallocation of taxpayer funds. Eva Bitran, director of immigrant rights at the ACLU of Southern California, expressed concern that the increased armament of ICE agents contributes to a climate of fear and intimidation during immigration sweeps. “Agents descend upon a car wash or a Home Depot parking lot or a day labor corner, or anywhere that they see Brown folks congregate, and use a huge show of force,” Bitran stated, describing agents arriving with “assault rifles, sometimes holstered, sometimes drawn, in military attire.”
The timing of the report also coincides with the second week of a partial government shutdown, triggered by disagreements over Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement tactics. Democrats are advocating for reforms, including prohibiting agents from wearing masks during operations and implementing a clear “use of force” policy. These proposals aim to increase transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement, addressing concerns about potential abuses of power. The push for reform comes after several incidents in Southern California where residents have alleged misconduct by federal agents.
One such incident involved Daniel Rascon, a San Bernardino resident who recounted a harrowing experience at a recent Congressional public forum on Homeland Security’s use of force. Rascon described being boxed in by unmarked vehicles driven by masked agents while running an errand with his family in August. He alleged that agents broke the car windows, physically assaulted his father-in-law, and opened fire on their vehicle when his father-in-law attempted to drive away. Homeland Security maintains that the enforcement operation was targeted and that a Border Patrol officer discharged their firearm in self-defense after being struck by the vehicle. Another shooting incident involving Border Patrol agents occurred in South Los Angeles in January, prompting calls for greater oversight and accountability from local officials, including California Assemblymember Mike Gipson, who questioned the “reckless gunplay” of agents in residential areas.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” and Increased Funding
The current surge in weapons spending is also linked to a significant increase in overall funding for Homeland Security, stemming from the passage of what President Donald Trump dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” in July 2025. This legislation provided an additional $170 billion to the department, fueling a hiring spree and enabling the expansion of ICE’s workforce. The increased funding has allowed ICE and CBP to procure more advanced weaponry and equipment, raising concerns about the potential for increased militarization and the erosion of civil liberties.
The Department of Homeland Security, however, has downplayed the significance of the report, with a spokesperson dismissing it as “riveting reporting” regarding a law enforcement agency purchasing necessary equipment. This response has further fueled criticism from Senator Schiff and other Democrats, who argue that the agency is failing to address legitimate concerns about the escalating use of force and the lack of accountability in immigration enforcement. The debate over funding and oversight of ICE and CBP is likely to continue as the government shutdown persists and lawmakers grapple with the complex challenges of immigration policy.
What’s Next?
As the government shutdown enters its third week, negotiations between Democrats and Republicans remain stalled. The core disagreement centers on funding levels for immigration enforcement and the implementation of stricter oversight measures. Senator Schiff has vowed to oppose any further funding for ICE and CBP without significant reforms to address concerns about excessive force and accountability. The Senate is scheduled to hold a hearing on immigration enforcement tactics on March 5, 2026, where DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is expected to testify. Democrats are pushing for the adoption of policies prohibiting agents from wearing masks and establishing a clear “use of force” policy. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.
The escalating weapons spending and the allegations of excessive force raise fundamental questions about the role of federal immigration agencies and the balance between security and civil liberties. As the debate continues, It’s crucial for policymakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and respect for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.