Fact Check: As of June 2025, ICE was holding more than 56,000 individuals in detention facilities across the United States, which is a record high.

Fact Check: "As of June 2025, ICE was holding more than 56,000 individuals in detention facilities across the United States, which is a record high."

What We Know

As of June 2025, reports indicate that the federal government is holding more than 48,000 individuals in immigration detention, which reflects a 20% increase since January of that year (NPR, NPR). This number is significantly lower than the claim that ICE is holding over 56,000 individuals. Additionally, the claim that this figure represents a record high is misleading, as the reported number of detainees has not reached the claimed figure.

According to ICE's own statistics, the agency has been experiencing overcrowding issues, but the reported numbers consistently remain below 50,000 (ICE Statistics). The increase in detainees has been attributed to heightened enforcement measures and the expansion of private detention facilities, which are now housing a substantial majority of detainees (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that ICE is holding more than 56,000 individuals in June 2025 appears to stem from a misinterpretation or misreporting of the actual statistics. While some sources, such as a recent news alert, mention figures above 50,000, they do not substantiate the claim of 56,000 as a record high (CBS News, Shan Potts Law).

The most credible sources, including NPR and ICE's own statistics, consistently report that the number of detainees is approximately 48,000, which is below the claimed figure. Furthermore, the assertion that this is a record high lacks context, as historical data on ICE detentions shows fluctuations in numbers, but the current figures do not support the claim of a record high at 56,000.

The reliability of the sources reporting the higher number is questionable, as they do not provide clear data or context to support their claims. In contrast, established news organizations like NPR have a track record of thorough reporting and fact-checking, making their data more reliable.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that ICE is holding more than 56,000 individuals in detention facilities as of June 2025 is false. The most credible reports indicate that the number is closer to 48,000, which does not support the assertion of a record high at the claimed figure. The discrepancy suggests either a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the available data.

Sources

1. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics
2. ICE Detentions | OHSS - Office of Homeland Security Statistics
3. Private prisons and local jails are ramping up as ICE detention exceeds capacity
4. ICE detention: Recorded calls about overcrowding, lack of food at ICE detention centers
5. CBS News: ICE directed to pause immigration arrests at farms, hotels, and restaurants
6. Shan Potts Law: June 2025 Sees Over 50,000 in ICE Detention — Your Rights If You're Held Now