Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly intensified its efforts to apprehend undocumented immigrants within the United States. Recent data indicates a substantial increase in interior arrests compared to the previous administration’s final year.
Between January 20 and February 8, ICE reported a 137% rise in arrests of undocumented individuals within the country’s interior, compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects the administration’s commitment to stringent immigration enforcement policies.
In response to internal concerns about the pace of these operations, the administration has made leadership changes within ICE. Two senior officials, Russell Hott and Peter Berg, were recently reassigned to different roles. Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the need for a culture of accountability within the agency, stating that leadership will ensure ICE performs as expected. Todd Lyons, formerly overseeing immigration enforcement in Boston, has been appointed to lead Enforcement and Removal Operations, with Garrett Ripa as his deputy. These changes aim to accelerate the administration’s goal of mass deportations during President Trump’s second term.
The administration has also reactivated the 287(g) program, enabling local law enforcement officers to act as federal immigration agents. This initiative, originally established in 1996, allows local authorities to question detainees about their immigration status and hold them until ICE can take custody. While proponents argue that this collaboration enhances enforcement efficiency, critics contend that it may foster racial profiling and erode community trust in law enforcement.
These developments underscore the administration’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement, marking a significant shift from the policies of the previous administration.