Fact Check: ICE arrests have more than doubled since Trump took office.

Fact Check: "ICE arrests have more than doubled since Trump took office."

What We Know

Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2017, data indicates a significant increase in arrests made by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. According to a report from the New York Times, ICE arrests have indeed more than doubled, with the agency averaging 666 arrests per day compared to fewer than 300 per day in 2024. This represents a nationwide increase of 124% in arrests since Trump assumed office. The report highlights that immigration arrests have surged in every state, with some states experiencing increases of over 300% in enforcement activity.

The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics also support this claim, showing that the overall number of administrative arrests reached 143,470 in FY 2017, marking the highest number of arrests in recent years. This sharp increase aligns with the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies aimed at deporting unauthorized immigrants.

Analysis

The evidence presented from multiple sources confirms that ICE arrests have indeed more than doubled since Trump took office. The New York Times provides a comprehensive overview of the data, indicating that the increase is not only substantial but also widespread across various states, particularly those with large immigrant populations. The data was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, which adds a layer of credibility to the findings.

However, it is essential to consider the context and potential biases of the sources. The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics are official government data, which typically provides reliable information. Conversely, reports from media outlets like the Guardian and the New York Times may have editorial slants, but they generally rely on factual data and expert analysis.

The increase in arrests can be attributed to the Trump administration's policies, which emphasized stricter immigration enforcement and a broader interpretation of who could be targeted for arrest. This shift in policy is corroborated by various reports, including those from the Cato Institute, which noted a significant rise in arrests of noncriminals during this period.

Conclusion

The claim that "ICE arrests have more than doubled since Trump took office" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including government statistics and reputable news reports, consistently supports this assertion. The data shows a clear and significant increase in ICE arrests, reflecting the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies.