Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers question a man's status on Lake Street near the Karmel Mall in Minnesota on December 10, 2025. ICE arrests harm local economies by reducing consumer spending, according to new research. (Photo by Christopher Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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New research shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests harm local economies by reducing consumer spending. Data indicate shopping declined as ICE raids increased in many local areas. An earlier study concluded ICE arrests harmed U.S.-born workers, including those with a high school education or less. Congressional Republicans plan to pass a reconciliation bill providing approximately $70 billion in additional funding to ICE and Customs and Border Protection. A 2025 reconciliation bill approved a record $170 billion in immigration enforcement spending.
New Immigration Research Examines The Demand Side Of The Economy
Consumer spending drives the U.S. economy. However, new research finds ICE enforcement activity can shrink that spending.
