U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a record average of more than 800 people without criminal records per day in July, according to federal data obtained by the Deportation Data Project. These figures come as the White House reportedly directs the agency to reach a daily target of 2,000 arrests.
The data indicates that July marked the first month of the current administration's second term in which individuals with civil immigration violations, rather than criminal charges or convictions, constituted more than half of all arrests. Total daily arrests averaged 1,580 in July, a new high for the administration following a brief decline in enforcement earlier this year attributed to leadership changes and funding disputes.
While administration officials stated that enforcement focuses on "the worst of the worst," individuals with violent criminal convictions represented 4% of those taken into custody in July and 6% of total bookings under the current administration. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson stated that many "non-criminals" are actually "terrorists, human rights abusers, gangsters and more" who lack a domestic criminal record.
The surge in enforcement has utilized traffic stops, airport arrests, and immigration check-ins. In June and July, nearly 45,300 arrests—approximately half of the total—occurred in communities rather than jails or prisons. Analysis of the data showed that street arrests in non-sanctuary jurisdictions increased by 50% during these months, compared to a 27% increase in areas with sanctuary policies.
On a household level, families may encounter enforcement agents during routine activities such as driving or traveling, as agents have shifted toward traffic stops and airport-based enforcement. This change is bolstered by the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to assist in immigration arrests. The federal government has allocated $1.15 billion toward expanding these local agreements through September 2027, potentially increasing the presence of immigration enforcement in the 1,850 jurisdictions that currently participate.
The increased pace of arrests sets a precedent for reaching a 2,000-person daily target, a figure that would represent a roughly 26% increase over the record-setting July average. As the administration continues to push for higher arrest volumes, the next phase of implementation involves further expansion of the 287(g) program. Specific upcoming deadlines for court challenges or changes to this enforcement strategy were not reported, but the current funding cycle for expanded local law enforcement cooperation remains active through late 2027.