Trump deportation push could cost Virginia taxpayers $7.4B
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Virginia taxpayers could pay an estimated $7.4 billion toward President Trump's mass deportation push — about $2,400 per taxpayer — according to a new calculator from the Economic Policy Institute.
Why it matters: The estimate puts a local price tag on Trump's deportation agenda as thousands of Virginians receive removal orders, including over 2,000 in the Richmond area during the first half of 2026.
The big picture: Virginia has consistently been among the top states nationwide for deportation orders in recent years, according to data from the nonpartisan Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC).
- Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield have recorded the highest numbers outside of Northern Virginia, a pattern that predates Trump but has accelerated during his second term.
- In fiscal year 2023, for example, the three localities had 919 removal orders. So far in FY 2026, which started last October, they've had over 2,700.
Stunning stat: The three localities also account for about 1 in 6 of the removal orders involving Virginians from January through June, according to TRAC.
- EPI estimates taxpayers in those localities would also contribute about one-tenth ($747 million) of Virginia's projected deportation spending.
By the numbers: EPI estimates the Richmond region's share is equivalent to the cost of funding Medicaid coverage for nearly 25,800 people or paying for about 2,600 teachers or 3,200 firefighters.
- In the region, Richmond has the highest estimated per-taxpayer cost, at $2,527.
- Henrico: $2,238.
- Chesterfield: $1,938.
Context: The estimate is based on $268.9 billion in projected federal spending on deportations over Trump's second term — a combination of money from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, budget reconciliation bills, regular appropriations and other repurposed funds.
The other side: In a statement to Axios, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson blamed the Biden administration for ignoring the costs of illegal immigration.
- The spokesperson said the administration's self-deportation program saves taxpayers money, noting the U.S. offers a free flight and a $2,600 stipend to self-deport.
What's next: If Congress approves additional funding through the appropriations process or other avenues, total deportation spending would increase.
Go deeper: How Trump's "self-deportation" push has ramped up