ICE quadruples immigrant detentions and increases deportations
Key Takeaways
- A Deportation Data Project report found ICE detentions rose roughly 4.4 times under the Trump administration beginning in 2025, with street arrests increasing about eleven-fold.
- Local police cooperation under 287(g) agreements surged from 137 to 1,501 between the start of the administration and March 2026.
- Detentions of people without criminal records increased more than eight-fold; release rates dropped from an average 60 days under Biden to about 7% under the newer policy.
- Deportations within two months of arrest rose from 27% to 57%; voluntary departures and returns reportedly surged as detained people abandoned cases to avoid prolonged detention.
- It has been reported that DHS has expanded detention bed capacity and that Secretary-designate Markwayne Mullin intends to keep policies but “without being front-page news.”
What the report found
A new analysis by the Deportation Data Project shows a major shift in enforcement since 2025: ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detentions increased roughly 4.4 times, with transfers from jails and prisons — previously the main source of arrests — nearly doubling, and a striking rise in operations away from carceral settings. Street arrests, including in neighborhoods, immigration courts and ICE field offices, jumped about eleven-fold. The report says enforcement now sweeps up many people who lack criminal records; detentions of that group rose more than eight times, contradicting the claim that enforcement targets only “criminals.”
Legal context and definitions
ICE is the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) agency that detains and removes noncitizens. 287(g) refers to Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes agreements that deputize state and local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement functions; the number of such agreements reportedly climbed from 137 to 1,501 through March 2026. “Voluntary departure” means a noncitizen leaves the U.S. at their own expense instead of receiving a formal removal order; “expulsions” and “removals” are enforcement outcomes that can carry different future immigration consequences. Faster processing, more detention beds and lower bond or release rates mean many people face quicker removal timelines and less opportunity to prepare or secure counsel.
Human impact and what this means now
For immigrants, families and asylum-seekers the consequences are immediate: people with no criminal history are more likely to be detained, held longer, and steered toward rapid departure or removal. The report finds that lower release rates have pushed many to abandon their cases, increasing voluntary returns. Practically, that means fewer chances to gather evidence, obtain legal representation, or pursue relief such as asylum or cancellation of removal. If contacted by local police or ICE, detained people should seek legal help; lawyers, community organizations and accredited representatives can explain options and next steps, especially given the shortened timelines now common in many cases.
Source: Original Article