Over 12,200 Nicaraguans detained in U.S. since January 2025, with many deported

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 12,271 Nicaraguan migrants between January 2025 and March 2026, according to an analysis of public data. This figure highlights a significant number of detentions and deportations targeting Nicaraguan nationals.

Of the total detained, over 66%, equating to roughly 8,000 individuals, have been deported back to Nicaragua. Another 3,171 remain in detention centers, while others have been released under various conditions, including bail, provisional liberty, or voluntary return. Notably, two migrants died in custody during this period.

The analysis also reveals that 155 Nicaraguans were detained at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This facility has been utilized by the Trump administration as a detention center for migrants considered "dangerous." Human Rights Watch has previously criticized the use of Guantanamo for asylum seekers, with one director stating that no migrant seeking protection should be sent to such a location. Data indicates that within Guantanamo, detainees were held in different facilities, including the Migrant Ops Center Main AV622, the Windward Detention Center, and Camp Six, with reports of individuals being held in solitary confinement.