During the first half of 2025, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has detained more than 100,000 undocumented migrants, including individuals without criminal convictions, under a relentless interior arrest campaign. The average number of arrests stood at approximately 730 per day, achieving this record in just 137 days since January.
Although the Department of Homeland Security(DHS) maintains that they prioritize the capture of criminals, data reveal that 47% of those arrested had no criminal record and only 30% were charged with serious crimes. In fact, many of the arrests are for immigration violations, minor traffic or administrative offenses.
ICE exceeds 100,000 arrests by 2025
Donald Trump’s second presidency dramatically increased ICE’s budget.
Raising its funding from $8 billion to $28 billion annually.
Daily arrest quotas were established (up to 3,000), and federal mechanisms were recovered to carry out operations in courthouses, workplaces, schools and health centers.
In addition, internal memoranda were reactivated to deny bail hearings, reinforcing the isolation of thousands of detainees.
ICE arrests increase
Among the more than 100,000 ICE arrests, the one of a Hispanic woman whose photo the agency posted on its official Facebook account stands out.
In the post, ICE wrote: “She looks sad, but don’t feel sorry for her – she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, with criminal records in Colorado, California, Montana and Nebraska.”
According to the agency, the crimes of the elderly woman, who is not identified by name, include racketeering, identity theft, mail fraud and forgery.
“Instead, he feels sorry for people like his victims, who are scammed and have their identities stolen,” ICE publishes.
How does it affect the Hispanic community?
Buzzy
Withdrawal of essential services: in regions such as the Rio Grande Valley (Texas), many families avoid hospitals, schools and pharmacies for fear of nighttime raids.
Uncertainty and fear: the use of hooded ICE agents in operations generates panic, even among citizens with legal residency.
Labor impact: employers in the hotel and agricultural sector implement more labor verifications to avoid sanctions, further complicating the hiring of foreign workers.
What can migrants do?
Muchas de las detenciones se dan por infracciones migratorias
QuéOnnda.com
1. Seek legal advice: individual cases can challenge arbitrary detentions or illegalities in the proceedings.
2. Protect immigration documents: keep visas, work or asylum permits up to date and accessible.
3. Do not attend raids: stay away from operations or areas with an intense migratory presence.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
