ICE Intensifies Arrests as Connecticut Officials Lack Information

Key Takeaways

• ICE arrested 4 Guatemalans in Southington and 12–15 people in Danbury in June 2025 workplace raids.
• About 59,000 people detained nationwide by ICE as of June 24, 2025, with 47% having no criminal records.
• Trump administration expanded ICE targets to include asylum seekers, international students, and people with pending charges.

Federal Immigration Crackdown Intensifies in Connecticut: What Residents Need to Know

Connecticut is experiencing a sharp increase in federal immigration enforcement, with ICE arrests and workplace raids making headlines and leaving local officials and communities on edge. In June 2025, several high-profile actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised questions about the scope of federal operations, the rights of immigrants, and the role of state and local governments. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for people living and working in Connecticut.

ICE Ramps Up Arrests in Connecticut: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

In recent weeks, ICE has stepped up its presence across Connecticut, conducting workplace raids and at-large arrests in cities like Southington and Danbury. On June 9, 2025, ICE agents arrested four Guatemalan nationals during a worksite enforcement operation at D-Hand Car Wash in Southington. Just days later, on June 17, between 12 and 15 people were detained in Danbury during a large-scale sweep involving up to 35 ICE agents. These actions are part of a broader national push, with ICE detaining about 59,000 people as of June 24, 2025—the highest number in U.S. history.

Why is this happening now? The Trump administration has directed ICE to expand its enforcement priorities, targeting not just individuals with criminal convictions, but also those with pending charges, humanitarian parole, pending asylum claims, and even international students. This marks a major shift from previous policies that focused mainly on people with serious criminal backgrounds.

Record Numbers: ICE Detention and Arrests Reach New Highs

National Trends

• ICE detainees nationwide: About 59,000 as of June 24, 2025
• Percentage with no criminal record: 47%
• Percentage convicted of crimes: Less than 30%
• Daily ICE arrests in June 2025: Around 1,200, with some days over 2,000
• ICE at-large arrests (first 50 days of Trump’s second term): 32,809

These numbers show a dramatic increase in enforcement. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the daily average of ICE arrests has nearly doubled compared to earlier in the year, and the agency is under pressure to meet a quota of 3,000 arrests per day. This has led to broader sweeps and more arrests of people without criminal records.

Connecticut-Specific Actions

• Danbury (June 17, 2025): 12–15 people detained, 25–35 ICE agents involved
• Southington (June 9, 2025): 4 Guatemalan nationals arrested at D-Hand Car Wash
• Statewide: Reports of ICE activity in other towns, with local officials often left uninformed

Local Officials and Communities Left in the Dark

One of the most striking aspects of the recent ICE activity in Connecticut is the lack of communication with local and state officials. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves and the city’s police chief both reported that they were not notified about the June 17 sweep. This lack of coordination has left local leaders scrambling to respond to community concerns and has complicated efforts to maintain public safety and trust.

Key Points:

• No advance notice: Local officials often find out about ICE operations only after they happen.
• Limited cooperation: Connecticut’s Trust Act restricts how much local law enforcement can work with ICE, but some information sharing still occurs.
• Community impact: The surprise nature of these raids has caused fear and confusion, especially among immigrant families.

The Trump Administration’s Policy Shift: Broader Enforcement, Higher Quotas

Under President Trump, ICE has been directed to cast a wider net. The agency is now targeting:

• People with criminal convictions
• Individuals with pending criminal charges
• Those with humanitarian parole or pending asylum claims
• International students and others with legal status under review

This is a significant change from the Biden administration’s approach, which focused more narrowly on people with serious criminal records. The new policy has led to more at-large arrests (arrests made outside of jails or prisons) and more workplace raids.

Enforcement Quotas: ICE is reportedly under pressure to make 3,000 arrests per day. This has resulted in more sweeps and less targeted operations, with many people arrested who have no criminal history.

How ICE Operations Affect Immigrants, Families, and Employers

For Immigrants and Their Families

The expanded enforcement has created widespread fear, even among those with no criminal record or with pending legal status. People have been detained during everyday activities, such as taking children to school or going to work. Families have been separated, and many are unsure of their rights or what to do if approached by ICE.

For Employers

Worksite enforcement actions have increased. Businesses that employ unauthorized workers are facing more scrutiny and potential penalties. Michael J. Krol, HSI New England Special Agent in Charge, stated that enforcing employment laws is important to maintain a fair business environment.

For Local Governments

The lack of communication from ICE has made it difficult for local officials to prepare or respond to community concerns. This has undermined trust and complicated public safety efforts.

What Should You Do If Approached by ICE?

If you or someone you know is approached by ICE, it’s important to know your rights and the proper steps to take:

• Do not run. Running may make you a target.
• Ask to see a warrant. ICE can only enter your home with a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate. You are not required to open the door or allow entry without a valid, signed warrant.
• You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
• Ask for an attorney. If you are arrested, you have the right to speak to a lawyer.
• At work: If ICE comes to your workplace, remain calm and do not provide false information.

For more information about your rights and what to do during an ICE encounter, you can visit the ACLU of Connecticut Immigrants Rights & Resource Guide.

Reporting Suspected Violations or Seeking Help

If you believe someone is being detained unfairly or you want to report a suspected violation, you can contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online using the ICE Tip Form.

Multiple Perspectives: Officials, Advocates, and Experts Weigh In

ICE Officials: Michael J. Krol emphasized that enforcing employment laws is necessary to keep the business environment fair for everyone.

Local Officials: Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves and other leaders have expressed frustration at being left out of the loop. They say the lack of communication from ICE makes it harder to address community concerns and keep people safe.

State Legislators: Rep. Pat Callahan (R-New Fairfield) supports ICE actions, saying they target “bad actors,” but he also criticizes the Trust Act for limiting police cooperation with ICE.

Immigrant Advocates: Groups like Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants argue that the raids create fear and confusion, and that the Trust Act does not go far enough to protect immigrant communities.

Academic Perspective: Austin Kocher, a professor at Syracuse University, notes that the current detention numbers are unprecedented and show how much ICE’s role has expanded.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Historical Trends

ICE’s current detention numbers are higher than ever before, surpassing the previous peak of 55,000 in 2019. The agency’s focus has shifted from border apprehensions to more interior enforcement, with a notable increase in at-large arrests and workplace operations.

Policy Evolution

Connecticut’s Trust Act was designed to limit local cooperation with ICE, but some gaps remain that allow information sharing. The Trump administration has reversed many of the enforcement priorities set during the Biden administration, which focused more on people with serious criminal records.

Implications for Connecticut: What’s Next?

For Immigrants: The expanded enforcement means that even people with no criminal record or with pending legal status could be targeted. This has led to increased fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.

For Local Governments: The lack of communication from ICE makes it harder for local officials to respond to community concerns and maintain public safety.

For Employers: Businesses face more scrutiny and potential penalties if found employing unauthorized workers.

For the State: There is ongoing debate about whether to strengthen the Trust Act to further limit state cooperation with ICE, but no new laws have been passed as of June 2025.

What the Future Holds: More Enforcement, More Debate

With the Trump administration aiming for 3,000 daily arrests, further increases in ICE enforcement are likely. Advocates expect continued tension between federal and local authorities, and possible legal challenges to the scope and methods of ICE operations. The debate over how much local and state governments should cooperate with federal immigration authorities is likely to continue.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
• ICE Online Tip Form: ICE Tip Form
• Connecticut Immigrant Rights Resources: ACLU of Connecticut Immigrants Rights & Resource Guide
• ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics: ICE Official Statistics Dashboard

Summary Table: Key Recent ICE Actions in Connecticut

Practical Takeaways for Connecticut Residents

• Stay informed: Follow local news and trusted organizations for updates on ICE activity.
• Know your rights: You do not have to open your door to ICE without a warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
• If you are an employer: Make sure you are following employment laws and verifying worker eligibility.
• If you are concerned about someone’s arrest: Contact the ICE Tip Line or seek help from local immigrant rights organizations.

Conclusion

ICE has significantly increased its enforcement actions in Connecticut and across the United States 🇺🇸, leading to record detention numbers and widespread fear among immigrant communities. Local officials are often left uninformed about federal operations, making it harder to address community concerns and maintain public safety. The Trump administration’s policies have broadened the scope of enforcement, targeting a wider range of individuals, including those without criminal records. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with further increases in enforcement likely and ongoing debates about the role of local and state governments in federal immigration actions.

For the latest official information on ICE enforcement and removal operations, visit the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics page.

By staying informed and knowing your rights, Connecticut residents can better protect themselves and their communities during this period of increased immigration enforcement.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws within the U.S.
Workplace Raid → An ICE operation targeting businesses to find and arrest unauthorized immigrant workers.
Trust Act → Connecticut law limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary permission to stay in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons.
At-large Arrest → An outside-jail arrest made by ICE when detaining someone anywhere within the community.

This Article in a Nutshell

Connecticut faces record ICE enforcement increases with thousands detained, including non-criminals. Raids surprise local leaders, sparking fear. Trump’s broader policies demand 3,000 daily arrests, impacting immigrant communities and employers statewide amid rising tensions and legal debates over federal and local cooperation.
— By VisaVerge.com