ICE Detention Force Incidents Surge During Trump's First Year

A Washington Post investigation found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel used physical force or chemical agents at least 780 times against detainees between January 2024 and February 2026, covering the last months of the Biden administration and the first year of President Trump’s second term. The report, based on internal ICE “Daily Detainee Assault” emails, noted a 37 percent rise in force incidents and a 54 percent increase in the number of detainees subjected to force under Trump.

Guards employed punches, kicks, takedown maneuvers, restraint holds, restraint chairs, tasers and pepper spray. The daily average detainee population fell from about 72,000 in January to roughly 60,300 by early April 2026. The vast majority of those held – 42,722 – faced no criminal charges, being detained solely on immigration issues, while many others were convicted only of minor offenses. ICE officials claim officers are trained to use the minimum force necessary and receive ongoing de‑escalation training.