Key Takeaways
• ICE arrested 189 people and issued 187 business inspection notices in Washington, D.C., May 6-9, 2025.
• ICE targeted criminal non-citizens, including gang members, and inspected businesses for I-9 employment compliance.
• Operation sparked debate: federal praise for public safety, local leaders concerned about community trust and overreach.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently carried out a high-profile enforcement operation in Washington, D.C., which has stirred discussions across the nation. Over a four-day period from May 6 to May 9, 2025, ICE agents arrested 189 people and issued notices of inspection to 187 businesses in and around the city. This ICE Enforcement Operation has brought to light ongoing debates about public safety, immigration policies, and community trust in local and federal law enforcement.
Lead: A Sweep in the Capital
The main focus of this ICE Enforcement Operation was to identify and remove criminal non-citizens, sometimes called criminal alien offenders, from some of the city’s neighborhoods that have been troubled by high crime. ICE’s actions targeted not just individuals but also businesses suspected of not following employment laws. The arrest of 189 individuals and the inspection of 187 businesses in Washington, D.C. marks one of the largest such moves in the capital in recent years.
How the Operation Unfolded
The operation was not done by ICE alone. ICE worked side by side with different law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. This teamwork showed a shared effort from different areas of law enforcement to address public safety risks linked to non-citizens with criminal backgrounds.
Russell Hott, who is the Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Washington, D.C., described the operation as focusing on “the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in the city of Washington, D.C.” According to Hott and other ICE officials, many of those ICE arrested had previously been released by local authorities because local jurisdictions did not honor ICE’s requests to hold these individuals, known as immigration detainers. As a result, some of these individuals returned to their communities and, according to ICE, continued to pose risks.
Who Were the 189 Arrested?
Among the 189 arrested, ICE highlighted several cases that show the kind of individuals targeted in this operation. ICE stated that some of those taken into custody were known members of transnational criminal organizations operating in the area, including MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and 18th Street gangs. These groups are known internationally for their involvement in violent crimes.
ICE shared two specific cases to illustrate the threats they believe these individuals posed:
- A 47-year-old man from Guatemala was arrested. ICE described his criminal record as including drug possession, illegal firearm possession, aggravated assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and sexual assault.
- Another man from Guatemala, 25 years old, was also taken into custody, with a criminal history involving threats to kidnap, attempted possession of a banned weapon, threats of bodily harm, and simple assault.
These examples, though only two of the 189 arrested, were used by ICE to support their focus on arresting people seen as real risks to public safety.
187 Businesses Cited: What That Means
Beyond the arrests, the ICE Enforcement Operation also delivered notices of inspection to 187 Washington, D.C. businesses. These notices mean the business must let ICE review their hiring records, mainly the I-9 forms. The I-9 is an official form required by U.S. law that proves an employee can work legally in the country. Businesses must keep these forms on file for all workers to confirm they are hiring people allowed to work in the United States. You can read more about these requirements on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for Form I-9.
These business inspections focused on local restaurants and other venues where there have been past concerns that some employers were hiring people who did not have work permission. ICE’s goal was to make sure businesses were not breaking labor or immigration laws by employing people who were not authorized to work in the country.
Official Reactions: Praise and Pushback
Reactions to the ICE Enforcement Operation in Washington, D.C. have been split, reflecting the nation’s larger debate over immigration enforcement and community safety.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. praised the action, saying it was made possible by “President Trump’s leadership and this administration’s focus on law and order.” Martin called the arrests “a major step forward in making Washington, D.C., safer for legal citizens and their families.” This statement supports the view that such enforcement operations can help reduce crime and keep residents safe.
In contrast, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser raised serious concerns about how ICE carried out the operation. She said, “It seems that ICE is present at restaurants or even in neighborhoods, and it doesn’t appear that they are specifically targeting criminals, but rather disrupting communities.” Mayor Bowser expressed fear that ICE operations, especially when visible in everyday places, might cause fear and uncertainty in local neighborhoods. In February, she commented on D.C.’s status as a sanctuary city, describing it as “an expression of our values,” but also clarifying it’s “not a binding legal concept.” Her position suggests that the city wants to balance cooperation with federal law and local trust, without harsh legal mandates.
Context from Other Cities
Washington, D.C. is not the only city to see actions like this. As reported by VisaVerge.com, similar ICE Enforcement Operations have been carried out in other major American cities recently, including Nashville, Houston, and Salt Lake City. These efforts are part of a broader pattern from federal authorities to step up actions especially where they believe local laws make it harder for them to detain and deport individuals with criminal records.
Why Now? Trends Behind the Operation
These operations are taking place at a time when the immigration debate is a major point of discussion in the United States. Supporters of strict enforcement say that removing non-citizens with criminal backgrounds is key to public safety. They argue that people arrested for serious offenses should not be living in U.S. communities, especially after being released from jail because local police did not cooperate with ICE. On the other hand, critics of these operations argue that aggressive tactics sometimes catch people with only minor offenses or those with families in the country for years. They say regular visits by ICE officers to workplaces or neighborhoods can make whole communities feel unsafe, even for people who did nothing wrong.
The specific focus in Washington, D.C. on both arrests and business inspections shows a two-pronged approach. On one side, ICE is trying to remove people it believes are threats. On the other, it is pushing employers to pay close attention to legal hiring rules. This reflects how enforcement efforts are changing to include both public safety and business accountability.
The Role of Local Governments and “Sanctuary” Policies
Much of the back-and-forth between federal and local authorities centers on sanctuary policies. “Sanctuary cities” are places where local law enforcement limits how much they share information about residents’ immigration status with federal officials. D.C. has sometimes been called a sanctuary city, which partly led to ICE’s focus here. But, as Mayor Bowser pointed out, D.C.’s status is more symbolic than legal. Still, for federal officials, the lack of cooperation from local police is a pressing issue.
When local jails or police do not honor ICE detainers, the result can be that ICE has to find and arrest these people after they leave jail, sometimes in public places. This is what happened in many cases during this operation in Washington, D.C. ICE officials argue that if they could make arrests in jails, operations would be easier and less harmful to families and communities.
Understanding the I-9 Employment Form
Many people may not know what the I-9 employment form is or why businesses receive these inspection notices. The I-9 form is a document required by the U.S. government for every employee hired by a company in the United States. Its main purpose is to prove that workers are legally permitted to work in the country, either as citizens, permanent residents, or through a visa or protected status. Businesses are legally required to collect these forms from all workers, and ICE uses this tool to check if employers are following the law. For those wanting to see the exact requirements for businesses, the detailed guidance is available on the official USCIS I-9 information page.
If a business does not have proper I-9 forms or is found to have hired people who cannot legally work, it can face fines or even criminal charges. This is why the 187 businesses cited during the ICE Enforcement Operation are now under review. For many small business owners, these inspections can be stressful, but they are a standard part of government checks on immigration and labor laws.
The Impact on Immigrants and Employers
For immigrants living in and around Washington, D.C., this operation likely brings fear and unease. The possibility of being arrested at home, in public, or at work—even if only those with serious criminal records are the main target—can make everyday life more uncertain. Even if someone is not at risk themselves, they may worry for friends or family.
Employers in D.C. are also now under closer watch. Businesses that employ non-citizens have always been required by law to verify work status, but this operation sends a clear warning that ICE will take action if rules are not followed. This could mean changes in how local restaurants, delivery companies, and other small businesses hire and manage workers, prompting even those following the rules to double-check their paperwork.
Debates and Differing Views
Critics like Mayor Bowser and many advocacy groups question if such large-scale sweeps really target only the most dangerous people or if they go too far and cause more harm than good in local communities. They point to the risk of families being separated or workers losing their jobs due to mistakes in paperwork. Supporters reply that public safety comes first, and that taking known criminals out of neighborhoods is a top responsibility for all levels of government.
This split has only become more visible as federal authorities, under President Trump’s administration, have made law and order—which includes strict immigration enforcement—a central policy. At issue is not just who should be removed from the country, but also how these operations shape trust between law enforcement and local families or businesses.
Immediate and Long-term Effects
In the days following the operation, many in Washington, D.C. are dealing with the aftermath. Families of those arrested are seeking legal support, while employers are reviewing their hiring paperwork. The city’s leaders are again debating D.C.’s stance on working with ICE, and both sides are using this moment to press their arguments.
Long-term, the ICE Enforcement Operation is likely to set a model for how similar actions play out in other sanctuary cities and major metro areas. It may also lead to more lawsuits, policy debates, or new city rules about cooperation with federal officers. Businesses that rely on immigrant labor may face more pressure to keep strict records, while immigrant communities may look for more ways to protect themselves and stay informed.
Where to Learn More
For those wishing to know more about current immigration enforcement, you can check out the official ICE newsroom, which offers updates and statistics from operations like this one. It’s a reliable way to see the latest actions, facts, and government statements on immigration and public safety.
Summary and Next Steps
The ICE Enforcement Operation in Washington, D.C.—with 189 arrested and 187 businesses cited—shows the ongoing tension between federal action and local concerns about safety and community trust. Supporters of the operation see it as a step to make cities safer, especially under President Trump’s focus on enforcement. Critics worry about the broader impact on families and communities who might feel unfairly targeted or disrupted.
For anyone affected or interested in these issues, it is important to stay informed and understand legal rights, possible changes to hiring practices, and the broader policy debates. Whether you are an employer, a worker, or a resident, paying attention to new updates and checking official sources will help you stay prepared as the country’s approach to immigration continues to evolve.
Learn Today
ICE Enforcement Operation → A coordinated action by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest individuals and inspect businesses for immigration violations.
I-9 Form → Document employers use to verify an employee’s legal authorization to work in the U.S.; legally required for each new hire.
Immigration Detainer → A request by ICE for local law enforcement to hold an individual suspected of immigration violations until federal pickup.
Sanctuary City → A city where local authorities limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented residents’ privacy.
Transnational Criminal Organization → Groups like MS-13 or Tren de Aragua operating across borders, involved in organized activities such as drug trafficking or violence.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, ICE arrested 189 individuals and cited 187 D.C. businesses during a large enforcement sweep. Targeting criminal non-citizens and workplace compliance, the operation drew national debate on public safety versus immigrant community trust, highlighting the growing tension between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement priorities.
— By VisaVerge.com
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