The figure is an estimated average share for federal income-tax filers, not a charge levied on every US resident.
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) estimates that nearly $269 billion in federal funds have been committed to the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Its online calculator allocates the total according to each area’s share of federal income-tax payments and puts the average at about $2,358 per taxpayer.
EPI defines taxpayers in this calculation as people who file returns, including joint returns, and owe federal income tax after credits. The $2,358 is therefore an average estimate, not a separate charge on every US resident or citizen.
The National Priorities Project puts federal funds committed to detention and deportations in fiscal years 2025–2029 at about $268.9 billion. The total includes $175.579 billion from the 2025 budget law, $52.545 billion under the Secure America Act and $33.513 billion for ICE and Customs and Border Protection in fiscal 2025, as well as funding from other agencies.
The article compares EPI’s figure with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. At 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, that is about $1,257 gross per month, so $2,358 equals roughly 1.88 months of income at that rate. It is an illustrative comparison: the federal minimum is hourly, and some states set higher rates.
The report also cites ACLU and AFL-CIO estimates of possible effects from mass deportations: nearly 6 million jobs lost nationwide, including 1.4 million in construction, and a $3 billion to $14 billion annual decline in retail spending. These are organizational projections, not recorded outcomes.
The Department of Homeland Security disputed the cost analysis. Axios reported that a spokesperson said the CBP Home voluntary departure program costs less than forced removal; the department put a departure with a free flight and a $2,600 stipend at about $5,100.