ICE Detentions Hit Trump-Era High in July Amid Widened Crackdown

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions hit a record high for the second Trump administration in July, as the agency intensified its crackdown across the United States. Internal data obtained by CBS News reveals that ICE took over 46,000 individuals into custody last month for alleged immigration violations, including illegal entry and visa overstays.

The figures, not yet publicly released by the federal government, indicate a significant summer enforcement surge. ICE faced White House pressure to achieve 2,000 arrests daily. On average, 1,500 detainees entered ICE custody each day in July, with some initially arrested by Customs and Border Protection agents. The July total surpassed June's figure of approximately 43,000 detentions, which was previously the highest during President Trump's second term.

As of this weekend, ICE was holding 68,000 detainees, nearing the January record of over 70,000. This rebound in arrests follows a notable decrease earlier this year, attributed partly to criticism after federal agents fatally shot two American citizens during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

While large-scale operations in Democratic-led cities have decreased, ICE has quietly boosted arrest levels through targeted crackdowns at airports and traffic stops, and by deploying newly hired agents. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin replaced Kristi Noem with the stated aim of reducing ICE's public profile while advancing Trump's deportation goals. However, this latest phase of the crackdown has reignited national debate over ICE's tactics, especially after recent fatal shootings of immigrants during attempted traffic stops in Texas and Maine.