• ICE exceeds 1,000 daily arrests
  • Detentions rise in the South
  • Migration target still out of reach

According to La Opinión, arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have already surpassed 1,000 per day in the United States during the first months of 2026—nearly double the figure from the same period last year—marking a significant rise in ICE daily arrests in 2026.

The increase reflects a tightening of immigration policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, although the data reveals a gap between political rhetoric and operational execution.

ICE arrests concentrated in the southern United States

An analysis published by The New York Times reveals that most ICE arrests are not taking place in the target cities highlighted by the government.

Despite high-profile operations in Democrat-led cities, the highest volume of arrests is occurring in southern states.

Texas and Florida account for a significant portion of these detentions.

The figures show clear regional differences.

In Minneapolis, around 5,000 arrests were recorded between December and March.

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In contrast, the Miami region reported nearly 10,000 detentions during the same period.

The data suggests that ICE continues to operate primarily where it has the strongest historical presence and logistical capacity.

Additionally, nearly half of ICE arrests involve individuals who were already in police custody.

This contradicts the narrative that most detainees are dangerous individuals who were previously at large.

Ambitious target and results below expectations

ICE, Detenciones, inmigración MundoNOW, ICE daily arrests 2026The increase in arrests is part of a strategy driven by advisors such as Stephen Miller.

The stated goal was to reach at least 3,000 arrests per day.

However, current figures hover around 1,200 daily detentions.

This represents a significant increase but still falls short of the target.

The Department of Homeland Security reported up to 675,000 deportations in 2025.

Additionally, about 70,000 individuals remain detained daily in immigration facilities.

These figures reflect a system under growing pressure, reinforcing trends tied to ICE daily arrests in 2026.

Rising lawsuits and legal concerns

ICE, Detenciones, inmigración MundoNOWThe rise in arrests has sparked concern among legal organizations and civil rights advocates.

Since Trump’s return to the White House, more than 26,000 lawsuits have been filed by immigrants.

These claims allege violations of due process, according to data from ProPublica.

Some attorneys argue that new policies are designed to accelerate deportations.

They claim that in certain cases, individuals are not given adequate legal defense.

“The goal is for people to simply give up,” said immigration attorney Rekha Sharma-Crawford.

Although media coverage of raids has decreased, enforcement measures continue to expand.

New policies have made it easier to carry out arrests, even involving individuals with legal status or humanitarian protections.

Among the cases mentioned is that of journalist Estéfany Rodríguez.

The overall picture shows an expanding immigration enforcement strategy with mixed results and growing controversy, as ICE daily arrests continue to shape national debate.