As of July 2025, immigration enforcement in New York City has changed dramatically under the Trump administration’s “flood the zone” strategy. This approach means a much larger and more aggressive presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal law enforcement officers in the city. The goal is to increase ICE arrests, detentions, and deportations of noncitizens, including many who do not have criminal records. Here’s a clear summary of what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for people with pending immigration applications.
Summary of What Changed
The “flood the zone” strategy marks a sharp rise in immigration enforcement in New York City. Since January 2025, ICE has issued over 6,000 arrest detainers in the city, which is a 400% increase compared to the entire period under President Biden. ICE now aims to detain at least 75 noncitizens per day per field office across the United States 🇺🇸, adding up to more than 1,800 arrests daily nationwide. In New York City, ICE arrests have jumped from about 24 per day in 2023 to much higher numbers, making the city a main focus for enforcement.
To meet these new arrest targets, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has authorized other federal law enforcement agencies—like the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Bureau of Prisons—to help ICE find, arrest, and detain people who are violating immigration laws. This means more federal agents are now working in New York City, not just ICE officers.
Another big change is the effort to set up ICE offices inside New York City jails, especially on Rikers Island. While a state court temporarily blocked this move, ICE still operates in city jails when they have judicial warrants. This allows them to transfer detainees more quickly into federal custody.
ICE has also started using masked, unidentified agents to conduct street raids, workplace enforcement, and even family separations. These tactics are meant to create fear and disrupt immigrant communities, which has led to strong criticism from local officials and immigrant advocates.
Who Is Affected
The new enforcement strategy affects a wide range of people in New York City:
- Noncitizens without criminal records: Many people who have lived in the city for years, worked, and raised families are now at greater risk of arrest and deportation, even if they have no criminal history.
- People with pending immigration applications: Those waiting for their cases to be decided may face arrest before their applications are processed.
- Families: Increased ICE arrests can lead to family separations, especially when parents are detained or deported.
- Employers and workplaces: ICE is targeting workplaces for enforcement, which can affect both workers and business owners.
- Community organizations and legal service providers: The demand for legal help and support services has grown sharply.
Effective Dates
The “flood the zone” approach began in January 2025, right after the Trump administration returned to office. The most intense enforcement actions have been reported from June to July 2025, but these efforts are expected to continue and possibly expand in the coming months.
Required Actions for Immigrants and Stakeholders
Given the new enforcement tactics, immigrants and those who support them should take several important steps:
- Know Your Rights: Immigrants should learn about their rights during encounters with ICE or other law enforcement. For example, you do not have to open your door to ICE unless they show a judicial warrant. You also have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- Prepare Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents, such as identification, immigration papers, and contact information for family members and lawyers, in a safe place.
- Seek Legal Help: If you or a loved one is at risk, contact a trusted immigration lawyer or a local legal aid organization. Many groups in New York City offer free or low-cost legal services.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, for the latest information and resources.
- Community Support: Connect with community organizations that provide support, such as the Immigrant Defense Project, which offers “Know Your Rights” materials and legal help.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have a pending immigration application, such as for asylum, a green card, or a visa, the increased ICE presence means you could be arrested before your application is decided. This is true even if you have no criminal record. It’s important to:
- Keep proof of your pending application with you. This can help show ICE or other officials that you are trying to follow the law.
- Let your lawyer know if you are detained. They can help explain your situation to immigration authorities and may be able to help you stay in the United States 🇺🇸 while your case is pending.
- Monitor your case status regularly. Use official government websites, such as the USCIS Case Status Online, to check for updates.
Practical Implications for New York City Immigrants
The “flood the zone” enforcement has several real-life effects:
- Higher risk of arrest and deportation: Even people with no criminal history are being targeted.
- More fear and disruption: The use of masked, unidentified agents for street raids and workplace checks has created fear and mistrust in many neighborhoods.
- Greater need for legal and community support: Legal aid groups and community organizations are seeing more requests for help as people try to protect themselves and their families.
Background and Context
This strategy is not new, but it is now being used on a much larger scale. The Trump administration first used similar tactics during its first term, but the current approach involves even more federal resources and a wider reach. New York City’s status as a sanctuary city—meaning local police do not help ICE with civil immigration enforcement unless there is a judicial warrant—has made it a main target for federal action.
Stakeholder Positions
- ICE and DHS: Leading the push for more arrests and detentions, aiming for record numbers.
- NYC Mayor Eric Adams: Has allowed some cooperation with ICE, such as letting them set up offices on Rikers Island, but is limited by sanctuary city laws and court rulings.
- NYC Council and Local Officials: Some strongly oppose the “flood the zone” tactics, saying they hurt community safety and civil rights.
- Immigrant Advocacy Groups: Strongly against the new enforcement, warning about civil rights violations and harm to families.
- Legal Experts: Worry about due process, detention conditions, and the legality of these expanded tactics.
Recent Developments
- DHS announced a 400% increase in ICE detainers in New York City since January 2025.
- ICE reported over 65,000 arrests nationwide in the first 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term, including many people without criminal records.
- Local officials, such as Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, have criticized the use of unidentified agents for street raids.
Step-by-Step Enforcement Process
- Identification: ICE and other federal agents use databases, local police information, and community tips to find people they believe are violating immigration laws.
- Deployment: Large numbers of agents are sent into neighborhoods, workplaces, and jails.
- Arrest and Detention: People are arrested in raids or targeted operations and sent to detention centers.
- Detainer Requests: ICE asks local police to hold people for transfer, but New York City often refuses without a judicial warrant.
- Removal Proceedings: Detainees go through immigration court, with many facing quick deportation.
- Legal Defense: Legal aid groups and advocates step in to help those affected.
Future Outlook
The Trump administration is expected to keep expanding these efforts, possibly finding new ways to get around sanctuary city protections. Legal challenges and local resistance will likely shape how far these tactics go. More funding for legal services and close monitoring of detention conditions are expected.
Official Resources
- ICE Public Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
- NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs: Official website
- Immigrant Defense Project: Offers legal help and “Know Your Rights” guides
- NYC Bar Association Immigration Committee: Tracks legal changes and offers guidance
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these sweeping changes in New York City’s immigration enforcement have created new risks and challenges for immigrants, families, and the organizations that support them. Staying informed, knowing your rights, and seeking legal help are the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during this period of increased ICE arrests and federal enforcement.
Learn Today
flood the zone → A strategy deploying many federal agents to increase immigration arrests and deportations aggressively.
arrest detainer → A request by ICE to local law enforcement to hold a noncitizen for federal immigration custody.
sanctuary city → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect residents from ICE arrests.
judicial warrant → A court order authorizing law enforcement to conduct specific actions like arrest or search.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
This Article in a Nutshell
New York City’s immigration enforcement surged in 2025 under Trump’s “flood the zone” policy. ICE increased arrests drastically, targeting noncitizens regardless of criminal record, escalating fear and legal challenges. Immigrant communities face disruptions, making knowledge of rights and legal support more crucial than ever to navigate these aggressive tactics safely.
— By VisaVerge.com
