Masked and armed agents have stepped up arrests on U.S. streets as U.S. immigration enforcement grows more aggressive under President Trump’s second term. Since January 2025, ICE operations have surged, leading to record numbers of arrests, detentions, and removals, especially in border and Southern states.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made over 109,000 arrests from January 20 to June 27, 2025, more than double the 49,000 arrests during the same period in 2024. This marks a 120% increase in arrests, reflecting a major shift in U.S. immigration enforcement strategy. ICE is also detaining more people than in previous years, with 51,302 individuals held as of June 1, 2025, in 155 detention centers across the country.
Removals and Criminal Arrests
In the first 100 days of 2025, ICE removed 65,682 individuals from the United States 🇺🇸. Many of those removed had criminal convictions. U.S. Border Patrol also reported 5,954 arrests of individuals with criminal convictions between October 2024 and June 2025. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division arrested over 1,000 unauthorized workers and proposed more than $1 million in fines against businesses since January 20, 2025.
Policy Changes and Local Cooperation
ICE has expanded its cooperation with local law enforcement through the 287(g) program, which allows local police to act as immigration agents. Since January 2025, ICE added 444 new agreements, bringing the total to 579 active agreements. This expansion means more joint operations and at-large arrests, especially in areas where local authorities work closely with ICE.
ICE has focused on arresting people with criminal records, especially those accused or convicted of violent crimes, gang activity, sex offenses, and murder. In the first 100 days of 2025, ICE arrested 2,288 gang members and 1,329 individuals accused or convicted of sex offenses.
Detention Facility Expansion
The number of ICE detention centers grew from 107 in January 2025 to 155 by June. These larger, more centralized facilities now hold thousands of detainees each. This expansion allows ICE to detain more people at once and process cases more quickly.
Where Are Arrests Happening?
Most ICE arrests are happening in Texas (nearly 25%), followed by Florida (11%), California (7%), Georgia (4%), and Arizona (3%). The majority of those arrested are from Mexico 🇲🇽 (nearly 40,000), Guatemala 🇬🇹 (15,000), Honduras 🇭🇳 (12,000), Venezuela 🇻🇪 (8,000), and El Salvador 🇸🇻 (5,000).
In states and cities with sanctuary policies—where local police do not help ICE—federal agents have shifted to more resource-heavy at-large arrests. These often involve masked and armed agents conducting operations in public spaces, rather than relying on transfers from local jails.
Community Impact and Concerns
The increased visibility and aggressiveness of ICE operations have caused fear and disruption in many immigrant communities. Families worry about being separated, and children are often afraid to go to school or public places. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about due process, civil liberties, and the impact on families and children.
Civil rights organizations and some local governments have filed legal challenges against the expanded use of 287(g) agreements and the conduct of at-large operations. They argue that these actions can violate people’s rights and damage trust between communities and law enforcement.
ICE Leadership and Official Statements
Acting Director Todd M. Lyons and Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan credit President Trump and Secretary Noem for the ramp-up in enforcement. They say the focus is on public safety and national security, especially by removing people with serious criminal records.
Policy analysts at the Migration Policy Institute point out that the concentration of arrests in certain states is due to both geography and the level of local cooperation with ICE. In sanctuary areas, ICE must use more direct federal action, which often means more visible and aggressive operations.
Step-by-Step Enforcement and Detention Process
- Identification: ICE identifies people for arrest using information from local law enforcement, data analysis, and field operations.
- Arrest: Agents, often armed and sometimes masked, make arrests at jails, workplaces, or in public (at-large), especially in sanctuary areas.
- Detention: Individuals are booked into one of 155 ICE detention facilities. The largest centers can hold over 2,000 detainees each.
- Processing: Detainees go through background checks and legal processing. If eligible, they are placed in removal proceedings.
- Removal: Those ordered removed are deported to their home country. Others may be released on bond or alternatives to detention if they qualify.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ICE arrests | January 20 to June 27, 2025 |
| USA | ICE removals | first 100 days of 2025 |
| USA | Detention facility expansion | January 2025 to June 2025 |
| USA | ICE agreements added | since January 2025 |
Multiple Perspectives
Supporters of the current policy argue that the ramp-up in U.S. immigration enforcement is needed for public safety and national security. They point to the removal of people with serious criminal records as a key benefit.
Critics, including advocacy and civil rights groups, worry about the impact on families and communities. They highlight concerns about civil rights, the humanitarian impact, and the risk of overreach, especially when armed agents conduct at-large arrests in public.
Policy analysts stress that local cooperation plays a big role in how ICE operates. In areas where local police do not work with ICE, federal agents must use more resources and take more risks to make arrests.
Future Outlook
ICE is expected to keep expanding detention capacity and 287(g) agreements through the rest of 2025. Ongoing lawsuits may affect how ICE can enforce immigration laws, especially regarding due process and the rights of those arrested. Congress continues to debate funding, oversight, and the future direction of U.S. immigration enforcement.
Official Resources and Practical Guidance
Anyone can report crimes or suspicious activity to ICE by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or using the ICE online tip form. For the latest statistics and policy updates, visit the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics page. Independent data and analysis are also available through the TRAC Immigration Quick Facts tool.
Start of increased ICE operations
51,302 individuals held in detention
109,000 arrests made
ICE expanded to 155 detention centers
65,682 individuals removed
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current approach to U.S. immigration enforcement is the most aggressive in years, with record numbers of arrests, detentions, and removals. The situation continues to change, with legal, political, and humanitarian debates shaping the future of U.S. immigration enforcement.
Takeaways for Immigrant Communities
- Stay informed about your rights and local policies.
- Seek legal help if you or a family member faces arrest or detention.
- Know that ICE operations are more visible and aggressive, especially in states with high cooperation or sanctuary policies.
- Use official resources to stay updated and report concerns.
The future of U.S. immigration enforcement will depend on ongoing legal cases, policy debates, and the actions of both federal and local governments. Immigrant communities, advocates, and officials all play a role in shaping what comes next.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining/removing unauthorized immigrants.
287(g) program → Agreement allowing local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement duties alongside ICE agents.
Detention centers → Facilities where ICE holds arrested individuals pending processing or removal from the U.S.
At-large arrests → Arrests made by ICE agents in public spaces without relying on local jail transfers.
Removal proceedings → Legal process determining whether an individual will be deported from the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
U.S. immigration enforcement surged in 2025 with record ICE arrests, expanded detention centers, and local police cooperation, increasing visibility and raising community concerns nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
