Immigration arrests have surged nationwide since President Trump returned to office, more than doubling in 38 states and tripling in 21 states and D.C., according to new ICE data obtained by the New York Times. The increase follows directives from Trump adviser Stephen Miller to accelerate enforcement. ICE is now averaging 666 arrests daily—up from fewer than 300 in 2024—with recent figures hitting over 1,100 per day in June.
Enforcement has spiked most in states like Texas and Florida, where over 31,000 arrests have been made since January. Arrests have also risen in traditionally less-targeted states like Idaho and Mississippi. To meet aggressive targets, ICE has adopted tactics such as arresting individuals at court hearings and expanding use of expedited removal, which bypasses legal proceedings.
Critics warn the strategy is eroding due process, while Trump allies claim it protects national interests and counters Democratic goals of increasing blue state populations and pushing for future amnesty.
