Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to begin a controversial ID card pilot program for illegal immigrants in the U.S.

The ICE Secure Docket Card program, first reported on in 2022, is expected to commence this summer with the distribution of approximately 10,000 cards.

The agency said the program will “modernize documentation provided to some noncitizens” but said 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.”

Officials claim it would also allow for an “easier verification of identity through DHS systems.”

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

The program is also expected to face opposition from some conservatives who have expressed concerns about releasing illegal immigrants into the country.

“Just in time for the election, the Biden administration is quietly legitimizing a government-sanctioned invasion of our nation,” RJ Hauman, president of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) said.

“Providing illegal aliens with identification will undoubtedly lead to obtaining other documents, benefits and rights — or create an entirely new identity. After all, most who cross the border have no identification information in their possession. So, how do we even know who they are?”