ICE wants 'free' phone minutes for detained illegals at taxpayer cost of $10.2 million

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a statement Tuesday about bringing back "free cell phone minutes" for detained illegal immigrants.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, ICE provided 520 minutes per detainee per month during a pause in in-person visitation. The program, which cost taxpayers $10.2 million, was free to detainees, according to an ICE statement.

ICE resumed in-person visitation after "the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency."

"Significant fiscal challenges" forced ICE to end the cell phone minutes program. ICE stated it "would gladly reinstate the 520 minutes calling program with adequate appropriated funds."