Immigration: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is holding a record 59,000 immigrant detainees

As of June 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining approximately 59,000 individuals across the country, marking a significant increase from the 39,000 detainees held at the end of the previous administration. This surge is primarily attributed to intensified interior enforcement operations targeting undocumented individuals already residing within the United States, rather than apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border, where illegal crossings have declined to historic lows.

Notably, nearly 47% of those currently detained by ICE have no criminal record, and fewer than 30% have been convicted of a crime. This shift in enforcement priorities has raised concerns among advocacy groups and legal experts, who argue that the focus on individuals without serious criminal histories may lead to increased wrongful detentions and strain the resources of the immigration court system.

The expansion of ICE’s detention capacity has also led to overcrowding in facilities, with some operating at 109% capacity. In response, ICE has been releasing certain detainees under monitoring programs due to the lack of space to hold them until deportation.

In an effort to alleviate the strain on domestic facilities, the Trump administration has initiated the use of the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba to accommodate up to 30,000 detainees. The first transfer flight to this facility moved 10 Venezuelan nationals, including alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

These developments underscore a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement strategies, with a pronounced emphasis on interior operations and the expansion of detention capacity. The implications of these policies continue to unfold, prompting ongoing debates about their effectiveness, humanitarian impact, and alignment with the nation’s values.