US ICE ramps up deportations, exceeding 2,000 arrests per day

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically accelerated its deportation campaign, arresting more than 10,000 people in five days. Daily detentions have risen from about 1,000 at the start of the year to over 2,000, with a peak of 2,400 arrests on Saturday. ICE officials say most staff – up to 80% of the agency – are now working seven days a week, conducting stops during routine traffic checks, visits to immigration offices and street sweeps.

Detention centers now hold over 63,000 individuals, roughly 4,000 more than a few days earlier. ICE deputy director Marcos Charles praised the “extraordinary effort” of agents, while the White House aims to keep the pace at roughly 2,000 arrests daily, short of the previous year’s target of 3,000. Immigrant advocates report growing fear in communities, noting that people are reluctant to leave their homes for work, church or even grocery shopping.

Agency spokesperson Lauren Bis warned, “If you come to our country illegally, we will find you, arrest you and deport you.” Lawyers such as Utah‑based immigration attorney Ysabel Lonazco described the atmosphere as “people are simply terrified.”