ICE Arrests Surge 120% in Southern States During Trump’s Second Term, Targeting Immigrants
In a significant increase in immigration enforcement, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency reported over 109,000 arrests in the first five months of Donald Trump’s second term, marking a 120% rise compared to the same period in 2024 under the Biden administration. The majority of these arrests occurred in southern and border states, highlighting a continued emphasis on immigration enforcement in regions with high immigrant populations.
Background & Context
Donald Trump’s presidency has been characterized by a tough stance on immigration, and his second term appears to be no exception. From January 20 to June 27, 2025, ICE's operations have predominantly focused on states that share borders with Mexico, reflecting the administration's ongoing commitment to its immigration agenda. This surge in arrests has reignited debates over immigration policy, enforcement practices, and the implications for immigrant communities across the nation.
According to data analyzed by CBS News, approximately 23.2% of all ICE arrests during this period took place in Texas, the state with the highest number of undocumented immigrants. Other states with notable arrest figures include Florida (11%), California (7%), Georgia (4%), and Arizona, New York, and Virginia, each accounting for 3%. In contrast, the states with the fewest arrests were Vermont, Alaska, and Montana, which collectively saw around 100 arrests, underscoring regional disparities in enforcement.
Key Developments
The data reveals that the majority of individuals arrested by ICE during this time frame were from Latin American countries. Approximately 40,000 were from Mexico, followed by 15,000 from Guatemala, 12,000 from Honduras, 8,000 from Venezuela, and 5,000 from El Salvador. This demographic pattern aligns with longstanding trends in U.S. immigration, where citizens from these countries are often the most affected by enforcement actions.
In stark contrast, the Biden administration’s approach to immigration enforcement resulted in about 49,000 arrests during the same period in 2024. This sharp increase in arrests under Trump’s second term raises questions regarding the administration's broader immigration strategy and its potential impact on immigrant communities, particularly those living in fear of detention and deportation.
Broader Impact
The rise in ICE arrests has significant implications for immigrant communities, many of which are already vulnerable. Experts argue that heightened enforcement can lead to increased fear and anxiety among undocumented immigrants, which may deter them from seeking essential services such as healthcare and education. Reports from advocacy groups indicate that families are increasingly hesitant to interact with law enforcement or government agencies, fearing that even routine encounters could lead to deportation.
This surge in arrests also raises concerns about civil rights and the treatment of immigrants within the legal system. Critics of the Trump administration’s immigration policies argue that aggressive enforcement tactics disproportionately target communities of color and can result in wrongful detentions. The implications of these policies extend beyond immigration, impacting social cohesion and the economic contributions of immigrant populations.
What's Next
As the Trump administration continues to ramp up its immigration enforcement efforts, the potential for further policy changes looms large. Observers speculate that upcoming legislative sessions may see proposals aimed at tightening immigration laws or enhancing ICE’s operational capabilities. Additionally, the ongoing political climate surrounding immigration reform suggests that these issues will remain at the forefront of national discourse, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Furthermore, advocacy groups are likely to intensify their efforts to protect immigrant rights in response to the increased enforcement. Legal challenges to ICE practices and calls for comprehensive immigration reform are expected to gain traction as communities react to the heightened threat of deportation. As previously reported, similar situations have unfolded in the context of other policy areas, such as the recent developments regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza, which also reflect the complexities of U.S. governance under the Trump administration.
With the landscape of immigration enforcement shifting dramatically, all eyes will be on how these policies evolve and their impact on the millions of individuals living in the United States.
