According to a report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), American taxpayers would incur an estimated cost of $2,358 each for the mass deportation efforts during President Trump's administration. The EPI's analysis suggests that the projected $268.9 billion allocated for deportations over the next 2.5 years could alternatively support various public services, including food assistance for over 118 million additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, Medicaid for nearly 12 million additional individuals, or low-cost public housing for more than 9.7 million households.
Gordon Lafer, a professor at the University of Oregon's Labor Education and Research Center and a research associate at EPI, highlighted the significant financial resources being directed toward deportations, stating that many communities face pressing needs such as hunger, affordable housing, and healthcare. He noted that most undocumented individuals do not have criminal records, emphasizing the opportunity cost of spending on deportations.
The EPI utilized federal income tax contributions from various regions to estimate the financial burden on taxpayers in each state, county, and city. For instance, taxpayers in Washington, D.C., could face costs of $3,930 each, while those in Connecticut might pay $3,395. Conversely, taxpayers in West Virginia could expect to pay about $1,297 each. The report indicates that the total deportation spending is derived from a combination of federal funding sources, including budget reconciliation bills and appropriations. If Congress approves additional funding, the total costs for deportations could rise.