The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically increased its weapons spending under President Donald Trump’s administration, sparking alarm among lawmakers and civil rights groups. Federal purchasing records show ICE spent over $71 million on weapons, ammunition, and chemical agents between January 20 and October 18 — a more than 700 percent increase compared to the same period last year under President Biden, when spending stood at about $9.7 million.
This rapid escalation, first reported by Popular Information, includes purchases of “guided missile warheads and explosive components.” Such acquisitions are highly unusual for a domestic law enforcement agency, which typically focuses on border enforcement and immigration operations rather than heavy armament.
Record-Breaking Purchases and Unusual Items
According to federal procurement data, the spending spike covers a range of military-grade items — small arms, tactical gear, and chemical weapons. A significant portion of this outlay came in a single day: on September 29, ICE spent $9 million with Geissele Automatics, a manufacturer known for military rifles and firearm accessories.
This is a stark shift from the pattern seen in previous administrations. During Trump’s first term and throughout Biden’s presidency, annual ICE weapons purchases averaged $8–9 million. The new numbers represent a historic jump, signaling either an aggressive new enforcement policy or preparation for larger-scale operations on U.S. soil.
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Lawmakers Sound the Alarm
The surge has prompted strong reactions from both state and federal officials. Wisconsin state Senator Chris Larsonwarned on social media platform Bluesky that “the President is building an army to attack his own country.” Larson pointed out that over 170 U.S. citizens, including minors, have already been detained by immigration agents this year.
“There’s no telling how far this administration will go if Congress does not act,” Larson added in a follow-up post. His remarks reflect growing unease among critics who view ICE’s increased militarization as part of a broader trend toward aggressive domestic enforcement.
Civil rights advocates have also questioned why a civilian agency under the Department of Homeland Security would need such weaponry, especially chemical agents and guided munitions. Calls for oversight and transparency have intensified as ICE continues to expand its enforcement role beyond immigration control.
Violence on the Ground
The growing arsenal coincides with a rise in violent encounters between ICE agents and civilians. Over the past two months, several incidents involving the use of force by ICE have been reported in cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago.
In Los Angeles, an ICE operation went awry when an agent attempting to detain a suspect accidentally shot a U.S. marshal assisting in the raid. In Illinois, during a protest outside the Broadview ICE facility, Reverend David Black, 52, was hit in the head with a pepper-spray ball while praying.
Days later, CBS Chicago reporter Asal Rezaei reported being struck by a pepper-spray ball fired by ICE officers near the same facility. The incident sparked a criminal investigation and drew condemnation from journalists and human rights organizations. Videos shared on social media show agents using chemical agents and riot gear against unarmed protesters.
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Following these events, a federal judge issued a 14-day order restricting the Department of Homeland Security’s use of force against individuals without direct justification. However, reports of aggressive enforcement tactics have continued, raising questions about whether ICE is adhering to the court’s directive.
A Pattern of Militarization
Observers note that ICE’s recent spending spree reflects a deeper pattern of militarization among domestic law enforcement agencies. Over the past decade, many federal and local entities have obtained surplus military equipment through government programs designed for counterterrorism. However, ICE’s new acquisitions stand out for their scale and nature.
The inclusion of “guided missile warheads and explosive components” in federal purchase logs has drawn particular scrutiny. While it is unclear whether these items are operational or experimental, their procurement has fueled speculation about the agency’s long-term strategy.
DHS and the White House have not provided an explanation for the purchases. Requests for comment from The Daily Beast reportedly went unanswered, leaving the public to rely on procurement data for insight into the agency’s spending behavior.
Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” Message
The sharp increase in ICE’s military-style spending contrasts with President Trump’s self-styled image as a “President of Peace.” Despite this rhetoric, the administration has overseen maritime strikes on foreign vessels, which officials claim were carrying drugs into the United States.
Since early September, videos released by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have shown explosions of small boats in the Caribbean and off the coast of Venezuela. The government has stated these were narcotics interdictions, though no public evidence has been provided to confirm the targets’ identities. So far, 27 people have been reported dead in these strikes.
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Trump shared one such video on October 14, 2025, showing the destruction of a vessel near Venezuelan waters. The footage was posted to his Truth Social account with the caption “Protecting America from invaders.” Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of these actions, questioning whether they comply with international law and the U.S. Constitution.
A Nation on Edge
Across the United States, images of armed ICE agents patrolling streets and protests have become increasingly common. Many communities, especially immigrant neighborhoods, report heightened fear and confusion over the agency’s expanded authority.
The sharp escalation in ICE’s weapons budget, coupled with its aggressive tactics and controversial maritime operations, paints a picture of a domestic force increasingly equipped for conflict. While officials have yet to justify the spending publicly, the numbers alone tell a story of transformation — one in which a federal agency designed for immigration enforcement now wields firepower more commonly seen in wartime.