Surge in Illegal Immigrant Arrests Under Trump Administration Compared to Last Year

EXCLUSIVE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has witnessed a dramatic increase in arrests of illegal immigrants since the start of the Trump administration. Recent statistics indicate a stark contrast with the arrests recorded during the same period last year under President Biden, with certain metrics reportedly doubling or even tripling.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security, obtained by Fox News Digital, reveals that there were 11,791 interior ICE arrests from January 20 to February 8 this year. This contrasts sharply with 4,969 arrests during the same timeframe in 2024, marking a staggering 137% increase.

Criminal Alien Arrests See Notable Rise

Further analysis shows that the arrests of aliens with criminal histories have surged almost 100%. The numbers increased from 4,526 in the same period last year to 8,993 under the current administration. This increase illustrates a pronounced shift in enforcement priorities.

Additionally, arrests of fugitive aliens at large rose from 2,164 to 5,538, indicating a 156% upsurge. Meanwhile, arrests of criminal aliens detained in local jails have climbed by 59% as investigative efforts intensify.

Gang-Related Arrests on the Rise

Arrests of suspected gang members also exhibit a notable upward trend. For example, arrests linked to violent gangs, such as the notorious Tren de Aragua, have increased from 210 in the previous year to 430 under the Trump administration. This represents a robust 105% growth in this area of enforcement.

The latest statistics are part of a broader trend that underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to elevating arrests and deportations of illegal immigrants. This shift appears to stem from a series of policy changes aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of ICE agents, facilitating their engagement in high-stakes enforcement actions.

Targeting Criminals While Broadening Scope

The current administration asserts that its approach focuses on targeting the ‘worst of the worst’ among illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal records and gang affiliations. However, officials maintain that the scope of these operations does not exclude other individuals among the illegal immigrant population.

ICE has conducted numerous operations across several states, including in so-called ‘sanctuary’ cities that resist federal enforcement. Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration has begun using federal prisons to accommodate illegal immigrants, aiming to increase available bed space for detainees.

Utilizing Alternative Detention Facilities

Significant recent moves involve housing detainees at facilities including Guantánamo Bay, with reports indicating the administration’s capacity to house up to 30,000 individuals. Several flights reportedly transported detainees to this facility just last week.

The Department of Justice has also initiated legal actions against states such as New York and Illinois, challenging their sanctuary laws which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Such aggressive legal strategies represent a broader trend in how the Trump administration seeks to redefine the management of illegal immigration.

Policy Changes Unfolding Rapidly

This surge in ICE arrests coincides with a series of decisive actions taken early in the administration. President Trump instated a national emergency at the southern border, reinstated construction on the border wall, and abolished several Biden-era policies that limited detentions.

Significantly, the Department of Homeland Security has lifted restrictions on ‘sensitive places’ that previously hampered ICE operations. Additionally, the termination of Temporary Protected Status for specific groups, including Venezuelan nationals, signals a substantive shift in foreign policy as it relates to immigration.

Increasing Detentions Reflect New Priorities

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem articulated the agency’s commitment to securing communities by removing dangerous criminals from the streets. Secretary Noem emphasized the availability of thousands of open beds in detention facilities, confirming ongoing operations aimed at apprehending unlawful immigrants across different communities.

Statistics suggest these policy shifts are notably affecting border dynamics as well. Recent reports from Fox News indicated that the average number of illegal migrants crossing the southern border without apprehension has decreased dramatically, plummeting to just 132 per day since early February. This figure represents a staggering 93% drop from earlier highs experienced during Biden’s tenure.

As the Trump administration continues its aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, the impact of these strategies on both national security and local communities remains a topic of significant public interest and debate.

Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to this report.