Trump deportations could cost Oregon taxpayers $1,859 each
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Oregon taxpayers would pay about $1,859 each for President Trump's mass deportation push, according to a new calculator from the Economic Policy Institute.
Why it matters: The estimate is fueling debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to deportations could instead fund other public priorities.
By the numbers: EPI estimates the $2.8 billion projected for Oregon deportations could alternatively fund nearly 10,000 teachers or firefighters, based on National Priorities Project data.
- Alternatively, that money could provide Medicaid for more than 131,000 people.
- Or provide more than 100,000 units of affordable housing.
What they're saying: "I don't think people realize how much money is being spent on these mass deportations," Gordon Lafer, a professor at the University of Oregon's Labor Education and Research Center and research associate at EPI, tells Axios.
The other side: A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the administration's self-deportation program saves taxpayers money.
- The spokesperson encouraged undocumented immigrants to use the CBP Home app, saying the U.S. offers a free flight and a $2,600 stipend to self-deport. The statement said that brings the cost of a self-deportation to about $5,100, saving taxpayers more than $13,000 per person compared with traditional deportation.
Context: The $268.9 billion the administration is slated to spend nationwide over the course of Trump's second term on deportations is from a combination of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, budget reconciliation bills, regular appropriations and other repurposed funds.
What's next: If Congress approves additional funding through the appropriations process or other avenues, total deportation spending would increase.