Federal immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸 has reached new levels of intensity in 2025, with ICE raids surging in New York and across the country. This escalation follows a series of policy changes and a recent shooting involving a border agent, prompting officials to ramp up arrests and detentions. Immigrant communities, legal advocates, and business leaders are feeling the effects, as fear and uncertainty spread. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, why it matters, and what people can do in response.
ICE Raids Intensify in New York and Nationwide
Since February 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sharply increased its enforcement actions. The Trump administration, led by Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, set a new target of up to 3,000 arrests per day—four times higher than previous years. In practice, ICE averaged about 1,300 arrests daily in June, but the push for higher numbers continues.
New York has become a focal point for these efforts. ICE agents have been seen detaining people at major immigration court locations, including 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick St, and 290 Broadway in New York City, as well as in Buffalo. Many of those arrested were attending their own immigration hearings, expecting to follow legal procedures. Instead, they found themselves facing immediate detention.
Official Response to Border Agent Shooting
The recent shooting of a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has added urgency to these actions. Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons responded with a strong statement, promising a renewed focus on removing “criminal aliens” and vowing to keep up aggressive enforcement. While he did not specifically announce a “flood” of ICE raids in New York, his words reflect a hardline approach that is already visible on the ground.
Policy Changes and New Tactics
Several key policy shifts have shaped the current environment:
- Courthouse Arrests Expand: ICE has increased its use of courthouse arrests, especially in federal immigration courts. New York’s Protect Our Courts Act, which limits ICE activity in state courts, does not apply to federal courts. This leaves many immigrants vulnerable when they try to attend required hearings.
- Worksite Raids Resume: After a brief pause in June 2025, ICE resumed raids at farms, restaurants, and hotels. The pause came after business leaders warned about economic harm, but enforcement quickly restarted on June 17.
- Record Detention Numbers: By mid-June, ICE was detaining over 56,000 people nationwide—a record high. In New York, arrests and detentions have spiked, especially around immigration courts.
- Legal Pushback: On July 7, New York Attorney General Letitia James joined 18 other states in a lawsuit to stop what they call unconstitutional ICE raids. They argue these actions hurt communities and violate civil rights.
Quantitative Data: The Numbers Behind the Surge
The scale of current enforcement is clear in the data:
- Average monthly ICE detentions (Feb–May 2025): 20,000
- Target daily ICE arrests (White House): 3,000
- Actual daily ICE arrests (June average): 1,300
- Individuals in ICE detention (June 2025): 56,000+
- Percent in detention with no criminal conviction: 71.5% (as of July 13, 2025)
- Foreign-born workforce decline (Feb–June): -150,000
- Deportation rate (Trump vs. Biden, daily): 737 vs. 742
These numbers show that most people in ICE detention have no criminal record. The sharp drop in the foreign-born workforce also points to wider effects on the economy.
Key Voices and Stakeholders
- Todd M. Lyons, Acting ICE Director: “ICE will continue to target and remove heinous criminals from U.S. streets,” he said after the border agent shooting, signaling no slowdown in enforcement.
- Stephen Miller & Kristi Noem: They have directed ICE to increase arrests quickly, focusing on speed and volume.
- Letitia James, New York Attorney General: She called the raids “dystopian tactics” and joined a multistate lawsuit to protect civil liberties.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The aggressive ICE raids have created widespread fear. Many immigrants in New York are avoiding public places, including schools, workplaces, and even hospitals, out of concern they could be arrested. Community groups report that people are skipping medical appointments and legal hearings, which can lead to serious health problems and legal trouble.
Legal Process Disruption
ICE’s presence at immigration courts has made many people afraid to attend their hearings. Missing a hearing can lead to an “in absentia” removal order, meaning a judge can order someone deported simply because they did not show up. This undermines the right to a fair legal process.
Labor Market and Economic Effects
The foreign-born workforce in the United States 🇺🇸 has shrunk by 150,000 people since February 2025. Industries like agriculture, hospitality, and restaurants are struggling to find enough workers. Business leaders have warned that aggressive ICE raids make it even harder to keep their businesses running. This led to a short pause in worksite raids, but enforcement quickly resumed.
Legal Challenges and State Opposition
New York’s Attorney General and a coalition of 18 states are fighting back in court. They argue that mass ICE raids harm public safety, break up families, and violate constitutional rights. Lawsuits like Perdomo v. Noem are ongoing, aiming to stop the raids and restore due process protections.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Individuals
For those living in New York or other areas with increased ICE activity, here are practical steps to protect yourself and your family:
If You Must Attend Immigration Court in New York:
– Be aware: ICE agents may be present in and around court buildings, including lobbies and elevators.
– Consult a lawyer: Speak with an immigration attorney before your hearing.
– Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer if approached by ICE.
– Don’t sign anything: Do not sign any documents without legal advice.
If You Are Detained by ICE:
– Ask for a lawyer: Request to contact an attorney right away.
– Don’t sign documents: Wait for legal review before signing anything.
– Family support: Family members should reach out to local immigrant advocacy groups for help and legal referrals.
For Employers:
– Stay informed: Keep up with ICE enforcement policies, especially if you work in agriculture, hospitality, or food service.
– Follow the law: Make sure your business is following all federal and state labor laws.
– Support workers: Give employees information about their rights during ICE encounters.
Multiple Perspectives on the Raids
- Federal Government: Officials say increased enforcement is needed for public safety, especially after violence against border agents.
- State and Local Leaders: Many argue that mass raids hurt communities, make people less likely to report crimes, and violate rights.
- Immigrant Advocates: Groups report that fear is spreading, with negative effects on health, education, and family stability.
- Business Leaders: Many worry about labor shortages and the impact on the economy.
Historical Context and What’s Next
ICE’s use of courthouse and public space arrests was common during the first Trump administration. This led New York to pass the Protect Our Courts Act in 2020, which limits ICE activity in state courts. However, federal immigration courts are not covered by this law, leaving a gap that ICE is now using.
Congress is currently debating a major bill that could give ICE even more funding, detention space, and surveillance tools. If passed, this “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” would likely lead to even more enforcement. Legal and political battles over these actions are expected to grow in the coming months.
Legal Resources and Official Contacts
If you need help or want to know your rights, several resources are available:
- New York State Attorney General’s Office: Offers guidance and a place to file complaints about ICE activity. Visit the official website for more information.
- Immigrant Defense Project: Provides alerts, legal resources, and support for people facing ICE enforcement in New York.
- ICE Newsroom: For official statements and updates, check the ICE website.
Practical Solutions and Community Support
Community organizations are stepping up to help those affected by ICE raids. They offer legal clinics, know-your-rights workshops, and emergency hotlines. Many groups recommend carrying a “Know Your Rights” card and having a family emergency plan in place.
Employers can also play a role by educating workers about their rights and connecting them with legal resources. Some businesses have created rapid response teams to support employees during ICE encounters.
What Immigrants Should Do Now
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources like the New York State Attorney General’s Office and local advocacy groups.
- Know your rights: Remember, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- Prepare documents: Keep important papers in a safe place and make copies for trusted family or friends.
- Have a plan: Talk with your family about what to do if someone is detained.
Looking Ahead
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current wave of ICE raids and detentions in New York and across the United States 🇺🇸 shows no sign of slowing down. With record numbers of people in detention and ongoing legal battles, the situation remains tense. Immigrants, advocates, and business leaders are calling for solutions that protect both public safety and civil rights.
For now, staying informed, knowing your rights, and seeking legal support are the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. As the legal and political landscape continues to shift, community support and practical action will be more important than ever.
For the latest official updates and guidance, visit the New York State Attorney General’s website. If you or someone you know is facing ICE enforcement, contact a qualified immigration attorney or local advocacy group right away.
Learn Today
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting arrests and detentions.
Courthouse Arrests → Detaining immigrants at federal immigration courts, often during legal hearings.
Detention → Temporary holding of immigrants by ICE pending legal or removal procedures.
Deportation → Formal removal of a non-citizen from the United States by government order.
Protect Our Courts Act → New York state law limiting ICE arrests in state courts but not in federal courts.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE dramatically increased raids in 2025, focusing on New York courts and workplaces. Fear spreads as immigrants skip hearings, risking deportation. Legal battles arise, highlighting tensions between enforcement and civil rights protections amid record detentions affecting communities and labor markets across the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com
