ICE Arrests Surge Past 109,000 in Early Months of Trump’s Second Term, CBS Reports

The Big Picture

More than 109,000 individuals were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the first five months of President Donald Trump’s second term, according to data analyzed by CBS News.

The arrests, which occurred between January 20 and June 27, represent a 120% increase compared to the same period in 2024 under the Biden administration. The surge signals a renewed focus on immigration enforcement across Southern and border states under Trump’s leadership.

Regional Breakdown

Texas emerged as the epicenter of enforcement activity, accounting for nearly one in every four ICE arrests during the reporting period. Florida followed with approximately 11% of arrests, and California with 7%. Georgia and Arizona recorded 4% and 3%, respectively. In contrast, Vermont, Alaska, and Montana recorded the lowest number of arrests—just about 100 combined.

Figures used in the analysis were obtained by the Deportation Data Project through litigation aimed at accessing detailed federal enforcement records. The analysis showed a consistent trend of enforcement concentration in Southern regions, a pattern observed across prior administrations but now amplified.

Who Was Arrested?

The individuals taken into ICE custody came from nearly 180 countries, with the largest share originating from Latin America and the Caribbean. Nearly 40,000 of those arrested were identified as Mexican nationals, according to the report. Citizens of Guatemala and Honduras followed, with approximately 15,000 and 12,000 arrests, respectively. Venezuelans made up about 8,000 of the total, while over 5,000 were Salvadoran citizens.

Data Transparency and Limitations

A small percentage of arrest locations were not disclosed due to incomplete dataset entries. However, the overall trends captured by the Deportation Data Project’s records suggest a geographic and demographic consistency with prior enforcement patterns. ICE’s internal statistics, analyzed by CBS, further reinforce the conclusion that the agency’s operations have intensified under current policy directives.

The Bottom Line

The arrest figures reflect a clear policy shift toward large-scale immigration enforcement under President Trump. With operations heavily focused on the South and border states, the administration appears to be reinforcing campaign-era commitments to tighten immigration control and increase deportations.

Supporters of the crackdown argue it upholds immigration law and strengthens border security. However, civil rights groups and legal advocates caution that the rapid expansion of enforcement could raise serious concerns around due process, racial profiling, and overcrowded detention conditions. As enforcement escalates, scrutiny is expected to grow—especially ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

This article is based on a report by CBS News. Read full report here.

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