ICE arrests surge to highest level since Trump era, expanding airport operations

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more individuals in July 2026 than at any point since the end of the Trump administration, implementing new strategies to increase detentions. The daily average for arrests surpassed 1,400 people, marking a significant acceleration in enforcement operations.

This surge in arrests aligns with the administration's goal to increase deportations, aiming to remove one million undocumented immigrants annually. The policy prioritizes immigration law enforcement nationwide. Data indicates a steady rise in individuals entering detention centers throughout June and July, with July's monthly total potentially exceeding previous records.

ICE is increasingly focusing its operations on U.S. airports, deploying plainclothes agents to make arrests. These operations target individuals with expired visas, including those who were awaiting extensions for their visas or permanent residency and held work permits. The expanded scope now includes individuals who have overstayed their visas, a broader category than previously targeted individuals with final deportation orders. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly sharing traveler data with ICE, facilitating these airport arrests.