Short Answer:
In 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) dramatically expanded arrests and deportations. The Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies oversee ICE operations, coordinating enforcement actions and policy directives. More than 100,000 arrests were made in the first half of the year, with nearly half of those detained having no criminal record. ICE detention populations have reached historic highs, with over 59,000 in custody as of June. Non-criminal deportations have surged. The cost of ICE operations is soaring, exceeding $17,000 per deportation and straining the agency’s budget, highlighting the need for additional federal funding to support enforcement priorities and capacity. This has led to serious impacts on families, communities, and due process. These enforcement actions also have significant implications for public safety, as federal agencies and departments prioritize protecting communities and maintaining national security.
Overview: ICE Enforcement in 2025
Trump’s Immigration Agenda
- Aggressive enforcement resumed under Trump’s second term. Compared to the first Trump administration, the current approach continues and expands on the broad scope of immigration policies, enforcement actions, and detention practices established during that period.
- ICE was directed to target 1 million deportations annually (about 3,000 per day), which includes conducting large-scale removal operations.
Key Differences From Previous Administrations
- The Biden administration under President Joe Biden emphasized criminality and humanitarian protection.
- Trump has removed most restrictions, targeting all undocumented immigrants.
The immigration system has undergone significant changes between the Biden and Trump administrations.
ICE Arrests: How Many and Who Is Targeted?
Arrest Surge
- Over 100,000 arrests from January to June 2025.
- Border Patrol has reported a surge in border crossings at the Southwest border, which has contributed to the overall increase in ICE arrests.
- Arrests now average 1,200+ daily, peaking at over 2,000.
Target Profiles
- Anyone without legal status, regardless of criminal record. Most noncitizens without legal status are subject to arrest, and ICE considers factors such as flight risk when making detention decisions.
- Arrests of non-criminal immigrants increased by over 800%.
- Arrests now include DACA recipients, TPS holders, and long-term residents.
Top Nationalities
- Predominantly from Mexico and Central America.
- Notable increases in removals of Venezuelans and other Latin American nationals.
- ICE has also coordinated removals to other countries through international agreements.
Interior vs. Border Arrests
- Over 70% of 2025 ICE detainees arrested inside the U.S.
- ICE ERO is focusing on neighborhoods, workplaces, and check-ins.
ICE uses case management systems to monitor individuals arrested both in the interior and at the border, ensuring oversight and supervision tailored to each case.
Who Is Being Detained?
Detention Statistics
- ICE detained over 59,000 people as of June 2025.
- These statistics are reported and finalized at the end of each fiscal year, which can affect the accuracy and timing of updates.
- Exceeds the funded capacity of 41,500 beds.
Detention Locations
- Facilities operated by private contractors (e.g., CoreCivic, GEO Group).
- County jails and large centers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi.
- State jails, which are sometimes converted or expanded to detain immigrants as part of the broader detention infrastructure.
- Family Residential Centers have resumed operations.
Length of Detention
- Average for adults: ~55 days.
- Children in family detention: ~23 days.
Criminal vs. Non-Criminal Detainees
- Nearly 72% of ICE detainees have no criminal convictions.
Facility Conditions
- Facilities operating at 140%+ capacity.
- Reports of overcrowding, inadequate care, and poor conditions.
There have also been reports of the punitive use of solitary confinement in some facilities, raising concerns about inhumane treatment and the abuse of detainee rights.
ICE Removals and Deportations
Deportation Totals
- Over 200,000 deportations reported from January to May 2025.
- Slightly below 2024 figures due to fewer border expulsions.
Criminal vs. Non-Criminal
- Nearly two-thirds of removals involved no criminal record.
Top Countries of Removal
- Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador.
- Venezuelans removed to third countries (e.g., El Salvador, Panama).
Special Operations
- Deportation flights to Africa, Asia costing up to $300,000.
- Family deportations involving U.S. citizen children.
Some special operations have involved the removal of individuals classified as alien enemies under the Alien Enemies Act, particularly those accused of human rights abuses such as torture, ethnic cleansing, or genocide.
Costs of ICE Operations
Per Person Costs
- Estimated $17,000 per arrest-to-removal cycle.
- Detention alone: ~$165/day for adults, ~$296/day for families.
Total Daily Cost
- ~$9.7 million per day for 59,000 detainees.
Budget Impact
- FY2024 ICE budget: $3.4 billion.
- ICE requested $500 million in emergency funds in early 2025.
- ICE projected to overspend by $2 billion.
Private Contractors
- GEO Group and CoreCivic benefit from expanded contracts.
Human and Legal Impacts
Family Separation
- U.S. citizen children deported with undocumented parents.
- Long-term residents removed without recent criminal charges.
Community Fear
- Fear of ICE raids impacting school attendance, healthcare visits.
- Protest and tension in sanctuary cities and major metros.
Due Process Concerns
- 70% of detainees have no legal representation.
- Expedited removal bypasses hearings for many. Many detainees face expedited removal without access to immigration courts.
Wrongful Detentions
- Reports of U.S. citizens mistakenly detained.
- Asylum seekers arrested at ICE offices and courts.
What Can Immigrants Do?
Know Your Rights
- Right to remain silent.
- ICE cannot enter homes without a signed judicial warrant.
Emergency Planning
- Assign guardianship for children.
- Keep documents and contacts ready.
Legal Defenses
- Asylum, cancellation of removal, U visa, T visa, VAWA.
- TPS, DACA renewals, motions to reopen, voluntary departure.
Legal Help Resources
- AILA Lawyer Search: https://www.aila.org/
- Immigration Advocates Directory: https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/
- United We Dream MigraWatch Hotline: 1-844-363-1423
- ICE Detainee Locator: https://locator.ice.gov/
- ICE Detention Hotline: 1-888-351-4024
Resources and Official Data
- ICE ERO FY2025 Stats: https://www.ice.gov/statistics/ero
- TRAC Immigration Data: https://trac.syr.edu/immigration/
- DHS Yearbook: https://www.dhs.gov/immigration-statistics/yearbook
- GAO ICE Oversight Reports: https://www.gao.gov/
- OIG ICE Reports: https://www.oig.dhs.gov/
- NIPNLG Resources: https://nipnlg.org/
FAQs based on recent 2025 statistics on ICE arrests, detention, removals, costs, and impacts, including criminal vs non-criminal enforcement:
How many people has ICE arrested so far in 2025?ICE arrested over 100,000 people between January and June 2025, with arrest rates averaging over 1,200 people per day and peaking at more than 2,000 on some days.
Is ICE arresting people without criminal records?Yes. In 2025, ICE significantly expanded arrests of non-criminal immigrants. Nearly one-third of those arrested and booked into ICE custody had no criminal record, and arrests of non-criminal immigrants increased by over 800% in the first half of the year.
What’s the difference between a criminal and non-criminal ICE arrest?A criminal arrest involves someone with a prior conviction or pending criminal charge. A non-criminal arrest refers to individuals who are deportable based solely on immigration violations (e.g., visa overstay, illegal entry) with no criminal record.
What types of people are being detained by ICE in 2025?ICE detains a mix of individuals including asylum seekers, visa overstays, long-term undocumented residents, families with children, and recent border crossers. As of June 2025, about 72% of detainees had no criminal convictions. Some individuals are held under mandatory detention laws, which require authorities to detain certain categories of immigrants—such as those with specific criminal histories or immigration violations—without the possibility of a bond hearing.
How many people are currently detained by ICE?As of June 2025, ICE was detaining over 59,000 people—exceeding both historical norms and the agency’s funded detention capacity.
Are minors and families being detained?Yes. ICE resumed family detention in 2025. While unaccompanied minors are generally placed in the custody of Health and Human Services, children accompanied by parents may be held in family residential centers.
What is the average cost of detaining an immigrant in ICE custody?ICE detention costs average around $165 per person per day. Family detention can cost $296 or more per person per day. Deporting one immigrant costs approximately $17,000 when accounting for arrest, detention, legal processing, and transportation.
How much does ICE spend on detentions and deportations overall?In 2025, ICE was spending about $9.7 million per day on detention alone. ICE reported a $2 billion budget shortfall by mid-year, with Congress providing emergency funds to avoid disruptions.
Who profits from immigration detention?Private prison companies such as GEO Group and CoreCivic operate many ICE facilities and earn substantial profits from government contracts to house detainees.
Has ICE exceeded its detention capacity?Yes. ICE’s detention population surpassed its funded capacity of 41,500 beds, reaching about 59,000 by June 2025. Some facilities have operated at 140% capacity or more, raising health and safety concerns.
Are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents being mistakenly detained?Yes, there have been instances in 2025 where U.S. citizens or green card holders were mistakenly arrested or detained by ICE due to database errors or misidentification.
What is expedited removal, and who does it affect?Expedited removal allows ICE to deport certain individuals without a court hearing, particularly if they entered recently or have no proof of continuous U.S. presence for two years. It is increasingly used in 2025.
Are there consequences for families when a parent is deported?Yes. Family separation is a major consequence of ICE enforcement. In some 2025 cases, U.S. citizen children have been deported with their undocumented parents, sometimes without adequate arrangements for the child’s needs.
How can I find out if a loved one is in ICE custody?You can use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System or call the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line at 1-888-351-4024 to locate a detained person.
Can ICE arrest someone at a courthouse or check-in?Yes. In 2025, ICE has conducted arrests at courthouses and during scheduled ICE check-ins, including of immigrants who complied with legal requirements and had no criminal history.
What happens after someone is arrested by ICE?The individual may be detained and placed into removal proceedings. Depending on their case, they might be eligible for bond, a court hearing, or face expedited removal.
Do immigrants in ICE custody have access to a lawyer?There is no guaranteed right to a government-appointed lawyer in immigration court. Most detained immigrants must find private or nonprofit legal representation on their own. Roughly 70% of detained immigrants lack legal counsel.
Are alternatives to detention being used in 2025?ICE has reduced its use of alternatives to detention (like electronic monitoring or check-ins) in favor of physical detention, despite these alternatives costing significantly less.
How are international students affected by ICE enforcement in 2025?F-1 and J-1 visa holders who overstay or violate status may face arrest and removal. ICE has targeted students for minor violations, especially those who fall out of status or lack updated SEVIS records.
What are some legal defenses to deportation?Common defenses include asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status through a family member, and special visas for victims (U, T, or VAWA). Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and timing.
Can ICE deport someone without warning?Yes. ICE may arrest individuals during routine interactions, including work, home visits, or check-ins. In cases involving prior removal orders, ICE can act without further court proceedings.
Are deportation numbers higher in 2025 than previous years?Deportations have increased compared to recent years, especially for interior arrests. However, the total number in early 2025 was slightly lower than the same period in 2024, largely due to fewer border expulsions.
Is it legal to deport U.S. citizen children with undocumented parents?U.S. citizen children cannot be deported by ICE. However, ICE has deported entire families when a parent chose to bring their citizen child with them rather than leave them behind, raising humanitarian concerns.
What is the impact of ICE enforcement on communities?Widespread ICE activity causes fear, reduces trust in law enforcement, disrupts families, and discourages immigrants from accessing education, healthcare, and reporting crimes.
How can someone protect themselves if undocumented?They should know their rights, avoid unnecessary risks, carry valid documents if applicable, consult with an attorney, and prepare an emergency plan including custody arrangements for children.
How can legal representation help someone in deportation proceedings?An immigration attorney can evaluate options, represent the individual in court, help file legal relief applications, and increase the chances of avoiding deportation. Individuals with lawyers are significantly more likely to win their cases.
What is ICE’s justification for mass arrests of non-criminals?The Trump administration has defined all undocumented immigrants as enforcement priorities, regardless of criminal history. ICE’s stated mission includes enforcing civil immigration law without exceptions based on criminal background.
Where can I get legal help or information about detention?Legal help can be found through organizations such as AILA, the Immigration Advocates Network, or local nonprofits. Detention information can be accessed via ICE’s official website or by contacting their hotline.
What should I do if I’m approached by ICE?Remain calm, assert your right to remain silent, do not sign anything without legal advice, and do not allow entry into your home without a judicial warrant. Contact a lawyer immediately if detained.
Schedule a Legal Consultation Today
The statistics are clear: ICE is targeting more immigrants than ever before, including many without criminal records. If you or a loved one are undocumented, at risk of arrest, or need to understand your legal options, now is the time to act.
Schedule a consultation with Attorney Richard Herman today.
With over 30 years of experience, Herman Legal Group offers:
- Individual case assessments.
- Strategic defense planning.
- Representation before ICE and immigration court.
- Support for families, students, workers, and asylum seekers.
Book your confidential consultation now at:
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