Federal Costs for Incarcerated Noncitizens Totaled $8 Billion
A new GAO report details the costs and demographics of noncitizens held in federal prisons from 2016 to 2023.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Immigration
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The federal government spent approximately $8 billion to incarcerate noncitizens between fiscal years 2016 and 2023. During this period, noncitizens represented about 24% of the total Federal Bureau of Prisons population.
Why it matters
Understanding these incarceration costs and demographics highlights the operational focus of the federal prison system regarding immigration enforcement and foreign national management. It also underscores the government’s process of managing individuals slated for potential removal versus those returning to domestic communities.
Between fiscal years 2017 and 2024, 129,200 unique noncitizens were held in federal custody, with 70% originating from Mexico. While 24% of the federal prison population consisted of noncitizens during this time, that total figure declined by 44% by 2024.
The players
Government Accountability Office
This is the non-partisan congressional watchdog agency that audits federal spending and program performance.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
This agency is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates and operates the facilities where these noncitizens were housed.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This agency manages the enforcement of immigration laws, including the removal of foreign nationals from the country.
The details
Over half of the offenses committed by incarcerated noncitizens were immigration-related, while 30% were classified as drug offenses. U.S. officials utilized the International Prisoner Transfer Program to coordinate the movement of foreign nationals, successfully removing 76% of those who completed their prison sentences.
Timeline
Federal spending on noncitizen incarceration occurred from 2016 through 2023.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons held noncitizens between fiscal years 2017 and 2024.
ICE removal statistics were reported as of December 2025.
The GAO report was released on September 28, 2026.
Political Context
This report examines how federal agencies balance incarceration with the International Prisoner Transfer Program to manage foreign nationals. Critics often argue that transfer agreements should be expanded further to reduce long-term federal costs and free up domestic prison capacity.
These incarceration costs represent significant taxpayer expenditures within the federal budget. The report clarifies how federal drug and immigration enforcement policies directly influence both the composition of the prison population and the resources allocated to foreign national detention.
The takeaway
The data shows that a substantial portion of federal prison resources is dedicated to immigration-related offenses and foreign national incarceration. Implementing international transfer agreements remains a primary method for the government to manage these populations after sentences are completed.
Further reading
For more on how government policy intersects with border enforcement, visit United States Immigration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Forbes.
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