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The Indicator from Planet Money · Monday, August 31, 2026

Study Questions Economic Benefits of Aggressive ICE Enforcement

Research on the economic effects of increased ICE enforcement raises questions about the administration's strategy. The study's author argues that a permanent economic downturn caused by fear is not a desirable outcome, even if proponents believe in short-term benefits.

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The tape

2 quotes
The White House says his deportation strategy will help the economy. But new research suggests it's doing the opposite.
Adrian Ma
But I don't think anyone would accept a permanent hit to the economy.
Zeke Hernandez
Heard on The Indicator from Planet Money — “How ICE arrests are creating 'economies of fear', published Monday, August 31, 2026. Heardvine summarizes and quotes with attribution and timestamps, and links to the original everywhere.
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