The case against ICE presented at the Carmel event was clear, credible, and compelling.
First, the moral case:
Out of the 51 million immigrants living in the US, 39% already have permanent legal status.
However, six million of these people have lost their legal status. In 2025 the administration moved to terminate protected status from 13 countries, including Afghanistan. ICE is now deporting Afghans and others to Africa. Just last Sunday (August 30), the brother of an Afghan who was employed by the U.S. military during the Afghan war was deported to the Central African Republic.
Eight million immigrants have never had any form of legal status, but many have asylum cases pending in courts. However, seeking asylum no longer offers protection from ICE. These individuals are detained when they dutifully show up for court appearances.
Second, the economic case:
It costs America $23,809 daily to detain and deport one person.
It also “costs” us $8,872 in lost tax revenue per deportee annually. Most undocumented workers pay taxes and Social Security tax. They do NOT receive Social Security or Medicaid benefits.
The Trump administration is slated to spend $268.9 billion on deportations in Trump’s second term.
And closer to our Hoosier Home:
The state agreed to house up to 1,000 ICE detainees in the Miami Correctional Facility in exchange for Federal reimbursement of $291 per detainee per day.
Since the beginning of the year, two detainees have died, amidst reports of widespread medical and staffing shortages.
As an Indiana taxpayer, you will pay more than $1600 this year for Trump’s mass deportation push, adding up to nearly $3.8 billion state-wide. That’s enough to fund about 131,000 Hoosier Medicaid recipients. Or more than 88,000 Head Start slots. Or medical care for 73,000 Hoosier veterans. Or pay the salaries of 15,000 schoolteachers. Or 15,000 firefighters.
A Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research study found that immigrants in Indiana are better educated than the incumbent population of the state. Their rates of educational attainment are increasing, while rates remain relatively static for native-born Hoosiers.
The study concludes by stating that “immigration into Indiana, including unauthorized immigrants, is a net benefit to the state and should be welcomed in every county and municipality.”
Get involved with any of the following organizations to learn more and STOP TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION INSANITY!
Indiana Organizing Project
Indiana Immigrant Welcome Center
Indiana AID Assistance to Immigrants in Detention
