Donald Trump’s administration has ramped up its immigration crackdown, placing over 56,000 immigrants in detention—the highest number in years and potentially a new record.
Syracuse University data shows 56,397 individuals were in ICE custody as of June 15. Internal records cited by CBS News suggest the total is closer to 59,000, about 140% over the agency’s stated capacity.
This figure exceeds the 39,000 held under Biden’s administration and breaks the previous high of 55,654 in August 2019, recorded during Trump’s first term.
Nearly half of current detainees have no criminal background, and fewer than 30% have been convicted of any crime, The Independent reported.
Policy Shifts Drive Record Detentions
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The administration has stepped up immigration enforcement by revising legal strategies and allocating more resources.
One key move has been declaring an “invasion” by foreign gangs, now labeled as “terrorists,” which allows the government to use emergency powers like the Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
Officials have also revoked temporary legal status for more than 800,000 immigrants who fled crises in countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Surge in Raids, Fewer Safe Spaces
The administration has rolled back restrictions that protected locations like churches from immigration arrests. At the same time, immigration raids have surged across the country, with more than 70% of arrests occurring away from border areas, according to CBS.
These operations include mass arrests at Home Depot parking lots, detentions in courthouses, and apprehensions during scheduled check-ins with immigration authorities.
Federal Forces Redirected
To expand its reach, the administration has redirected federal resources. It sent troops to Los Angeles despite California’s opposition and tasked agencies like the FBI and DEA with immigration enforcement duties.
Local law enforcement and jails are also being called on to help detain undocumented immigrants.
Arrest Goals Poised to Climb
In June, ICE averaged around 1,200 arrests per day. Reports indicate that Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have encouraged officials to raise that target to 3,000 daily arrests.
Massive Spending Increase Ahead
Immigration and border enforcement already make up two-thirds of federal law enforcement spending. Trump’s proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill” could funnel an additional 168 billion dollars into enforcement over the next five years.
Although the administration briefly considered pausing enforcement in sectors like agriculture and hospitality, it has confirmed that worksite raids will continue.
Florida Expands Detention Infrastructure
Florida’s Republican leaders are supporting the effort by converting public land in the Everglades into a new detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” expected to cost about 450 million dollars annually to operate.
Human Rights Groups Raise Red Flags
Advocates say conditions inside ICE detention centers—which already face criticism for medical neglect and poor treatment—are worsening as the detainee population grows.
“The number of people in ICE detention is a grim indicator of Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation agenda at work, targeting people based on where they work and what they look like, destabilizing communities, separating families, and putting people’s lives at risk,” said Setareh Ghandehari, advocacy director at Detention Watch Network, in a statement to The Independent.
“At least 10 people have died in ICE custody since Trump was inaugurated,” she added.
ICE Budget Nears Breaking Point
The surge in enforcement has pushed ICE’s finances to the brink. The agency is reportedly 1 billion dollars over budget and could run out of funds as early as next month.
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