Fact Check: "During the first five months of Trump's second term, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were targeting approximately 650 arrests a day, which was set to increase to at least 3,000 arrests a day."
What We Know
During the initial five months of Donald Trump's second term, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) averaged approximately 656 arrests per day. This figure is based on data that shows ICE arrested a total of 78,155 individuals between January 20 and May 19, 2025, translating to this daily average (AP News).
In a significant policy shift, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller announced a goal of increasing the number of daily arrests to at least 3,000, indicating a dramatic escalation in enforcement efforts (AP News). This proposed increase was part of a broader strategy to enhance immigration enforcement, which included a reorganization within ICE aimed at meeting these ambitious targets (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that ICE was targeting approximately 650 arrests a day during the first five months of Trump's second term is substantiated by the reported statistics from credible news sources. The average of 656 arrests per day is consistent across multiple reports (AP News, Washington Post).
The assertion that the administration aimed to escalate this number to at least 3,000 arrests daily is also supported by statements from Stephen Miller, who explicitly mentioned this goal in a public forum (AP News, Washington Post). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards.
However, it is important to note that while the goal of 3,000 arrests was set, logistical challenges such as limited resources and detention capacity were acknowledged, which could affect the feasibility of reaching this target (AP News). This context is crucial for understanding the dynamics of ICE's operational capabilities during this period.
Conclusion
The claim that during the first five months of Trump's second term, ICE was targeting approximately 650 arrests a day, with plans to increase to at least 3,000 arrests a day, is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms both the average daily arrest figures and the stated goals for increasing enforcement.
