# ICE enforcement escalation in NY, NJ, and VT > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ice-enforcement-escalation-in-new-york-and-vermont > Updated: 2026-08-27T14:05:43.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified operations across the Northeast, specifically in New York, New Jersey, and Vermont. In New York, enforcement activities in areas such as Yonkers and the Bronx have triggered community protests and vigils. Tensions rose following reports of agents using unmarked vehicles and questioning residents without warrants. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James signed legislation to bar local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE under 287(g) agreements and established the Office of Immigrant Trust to oversee complaints. By mid-August, ICE enforcement expanded in Vermont, with at least nine arrests reported during operations in Londonderry, White River Junction, and Cornwall. Advocacy group Migrant Justice noted that these workplace and commuting arrests are “unusual for the state,” suggesting a pattern of heightened enforcement. While ICE stated it is utilizing “all lawful options” to meet administration deportation goals, local institutions, such as Bronx Community College, have begun providing guidance to undocumented immigrants regarding their legal rights. Recent data indicates a significant surge in arrests following the tightening of migration policies under the Trump administration. In July, ICE recorded 49,571 arrests, the highest monthly total during the second Trump administration and a 15% increase from June. In New York, monthly arrests rose from 754 in April to 1,355 in July, an increase of nearly 80%. New Jersey also saw a sharp rise, with arrests increasing by 147.6% between May and July. The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has reported increased activity in Dominican enclaves in Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn neighborhoods like Sunset Park and Bensonhurst, and various Queens neighborhoods, including Elmhurst and Corona. ## Claims - ICE arrests in July represent the highest monthly total during Donald Trump's second term. (corroborated by 4 sources) - July arrests saw a 15% increase from the 43,021 recorded in June. (corroborated by 4 sources) - ICE arrests in New Jersey rose by 147.6% between May and July. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Arrests in New York increased by approximately 79.7% between April and July. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Over half of the individuals arrested in July did not have a criminal record or pending criminal charges. (single source) - Texas and Florida combined for nearly 20,000 of the arrests recorded in July. (single source) - ICE reported over 350,000 removals in fiscal year 2026 as of mid-July. (single source) - Northern California recorded nearly 900 arrests in July. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: ICE arrests reach record high in July during second Trump term ICE recorded 49,571 arrests in July, the highest monthly total of the second Trump administration, with significant increases reported in New Jersey and New York. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-arrests-surge-in-new-york-and-new-jersey ### 2026-08-17: New York Immigration Coalition reports increased ICE operations The New York Immigration Coalition reports increased ICE enforcement operations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, prompting opposition from local officials and community outreach efforts. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-immigration-coalition-reports-increased-ice-operations ### 2026-08-15: ICE increases immigration enforcement in Vermont and New York ICE has ramped up immigration enforcement and arrests in Vermont and New York, including workplace raids and operations in the Bronx, prompting advocacy groups to highlight migrant rights. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-increases-immigration-enforcement-in-vermont-and-new-york ### 2026-07-31: New York State Pushes Back on ICE Operations Amid Community Protests ICE activity in Yonkers sparked protests after agents questioned a family without a warrant. New York’s governor and attorney general enacted laws ending 287(g) cooperation and created the Office of Immigrant ​ 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-state-pushes-back-on-ice-operations-amid-community-protests --- Cite as: ICE enforcement escalation in NY, NJ, and VT. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ice-enforcement-escalation-in-new-york-and-vermont