ICE weapons spending
Spending on weapons by federal immigration enforcement agencies saw a dramatic increase last year, according to a report issued by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff of California. The report details a significant shift in resource allocation towards firearms, less-lethal weaponry, ammunition, and related equipment.
Increased Spending on Weapons
The report found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) committed $76 million in 2025 to these purchases, a 360% increase compared to the $16 million spent in 2024. Both ICE and Border Patrol contracted primarily with Geissele Automatics and Glock Inc. For firearms. Combined, the agencies contracted for over $30 million in ammunition and $25 million in “less lethal” weapons like tasers and pepper ball guns.
Concerns Over Tactics and Training
Senator Schiff stated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is “setting in motion a massive surge in spending to add even more dangerous weapons” to the arsenals of ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He further expressed concern over the “misuse of taxpayer dollars” to arm agents who may lack sufficient vetting or training.
Reports of Force in Southern California
The increased investment in less-lethal weapons coincides with reports of aggressive enforcement tactics in Southern California. Residents have described incidents where federal agents allegedly shot at them during operations and injured protestors in Los Angeles and Orange County. A San Bernardino resident, Daniel Rascon, shared his experience at a Congressional forum, detailing an encounter where masked agents broke car windows, assaulted his father-in-law, and fired upon their vehicle.
Government Shutdown and Proposed Reforms
This report emerges as DHS enters its second week of a government shutdown stemming from disagreements over immigration enforcement tactics. Democrats are advocating for reforms, including prohibiting agents from wearing masks and implementing a clear “use of force” policy. The Homeland Security press office dismissed the report as unremarkable, stating that a law enforcement agency purchasing equipment is “really riveting reporting.”
Funding Increases
The increased spending on ICE and Border Patrol aligns with a substantial funding boost provided by President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which allocated an additional $170 billion to Homeland Security. John Sandweg, former acting director of ICE, suggested the investment in less-lethal weapons was likely a direct response to the tactics employed during protests in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the increase in ICE spending?
The report indicates the increase in spending corresponds with a larger investment in ICE and Border Patrol following the passage of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which provided an additional $170 billion to Homeland Security.
What types of weapons are ICE and Border Patrol purchasing?
ICE and Border Patrol are purchasing guns, less lethal weapons, ammunition, tasers, pepper ball guns, pepper sprays, and accessories, with contracts placed with companies like Geissele Automatics and Glock Inc.
What has been the response to the report?
Senator Adam Schiff has criticized the spending as a misuse of taxpayer dollars. The Department of Homeland Security questioned the report’s newsworthiness, and Democrats are pushing for reforms to immigration enforcement tactics.
As immigration enforcement operations continue amidst a government shutdown, what impact might these increased resources and evolving tactics have on communities across the country?