U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 10,000 people over a five-day period at the end of June, marking one of the largest enforcement surges since the Trump administration intensified its mass deportation campaign. The operation averaged approximately 2,000 arrests per day, nearly double the agency’s earlier daily arrest rate this year.
Unlike previous high-profile immigration crackdowns that targeted major cities with heavily publicized raids, the latest enforcement effort has largely taken place without advance announcements. According to reports, ICE officers have increased arrests during routine immigration check-ins, traffic stops, and street encounters, contributing to growing anxiety within immigrant communities nationwide.
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The increase follows internal directives urging ICE field offices to expand enforcement operations after the White House called for significantly higher daily arrest totals. Federal officials reportedly established a new target of approximately 2,000 arrests each day as part of the administration’s broader immigration strategy.
The surge has also driven a sharp rise in detention numbers. ICE facilities are now holding approximately 39,000 detainees, up from roughly 30,000 earlier this year, according to information obtained by the Associated Press.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the intensified operations, stating that its focus remains on removing individuals who are in the United States unlawfully, particularly those with criminal records.
“Since Day One, DHS law enforcement has been delivering on President Trump’s promise to the American people to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists,” the department said in a statement. “Our message is clear: if you come to our country illegally, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you.”
Immigration advocates and attorneys, however, say the increase in arrests has heightened fear among immigrant families, particularly following recent court decisions allowing the administration to move forward with ending protections for some recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). They report that many immigrants are limiting travel, avoiding routine activities, and expressing concern over the expanded enforcement efforts.
