Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly expected to roll out an ID card pilot program for illegal immigrants being released into the United States this summer.

“The ICE Secure Docket Card program was first reported on in 2022, and Fox Digital obtained images of the card last year. Now, ICE is planning a limited rollout of the program,” Fox News reports.

ICE is expected to hand out approximately 10,000 cards when the pilot program begins this summer.

“It is expected to roll out in three or four locations, with an initial distribution of around 10,000 ID cards,” Fox News reporter Adam Shaw wrote.

Per Fox News:

A source familiar with the program told Fox Houston and Atlanta were two potential locations.

The agency said the program will “modernize documentation provided to some noncitizens” but stressed it would not be an official form of federal ID.

“While the specifics of the card and pilot are under development, it is important to note the secure card will not be an official form of federal identification,” the agency said. “The secure card will indicate it is for use by DHS agencies and would be provided only after national security background checks have been performed.”

When illegal immigrants cross the border and are released into the interior, they are often given a number of paper documents depending on their status and situation. ICE says that such documents pose a security risk and can be lost and degraded, and the new program will make the agency more efficient.

It would also allow for an easier verification of identity through DHS systems via officials.

“ICE wants to start distributing ID cards to illegals this summer. More evidence of Biden trying to make illegal legal,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) commented.

From the New York Post:

ICE claims paper documents are unsecured, inefficient and can get lost or deteriorate over time, thus the need for ID cards.

“Moving to a secure card will save the agency millions, free up resources and ensure information is quickly accessible to DHS officials while reducing the agency’s FOIA backlog,” an ICE spokesperson told Fox News.

“For provisionally released noncitizens, the digital modernization will provide ongoing access to important immigration documents through the secure card and connected portal.”

Leaked images of the new cards obtained by the outlet show that they will contain a photograph of the migrant, a QR code, ID number and other identifying information.

It is unclear what the cost to taxpayers will be for the program.

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