The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is considering the implementation of a comprehensive transportation system in Texas, as detailed in a recent proposal. The plan involves the establishment of a continuous transport network to efficiently move immigrants from 254 counties to various ICE facilities and staging areas across the state.
According to documents obtained by WIRED, ICE aims to create a seamless transport grid facilitating the movement of detainees over an average distance of 100 miles per trip. The proposed system would rely on local contractors, who would be responsible for collecting immigrants from county authorities authorized by ICE. These contractors would be equipped with firearms and empowered to undertake transport operations at multiple levels of jurisdiction.
This initiative aligns with the broader strategy of the Department of Homeland Security to enhance interior immigration enforcement efforts. By leveraging private contractors and local law enforcement agencies, ICE seeks to expedite the detainee transfer process, thereby reducing the visibility of federal agents in public settings.
Recent market inquiries by ICE have solicited potential vendors to provide transportation support services in Texas. The agency envisions the establishment of 254 transport hubs—one in each Texas county—each staffed by two armed contractors round the clock. The operational requirements mandate rapid response times, high vehicle readiness rates, and stringent staffing protocols to ensure the system’s efficiency.
Source: WIRED