Fact Check: "ICE arrests have skyrocketed, averaging 666 per day since Trump took office."
What We Know
Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2017, there has been a significant increase in arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Berkeley, ICE has averaged approximately 666 immigration arrests per day during Trump's presidency, which is more than double the average of fewer than 300 arrests per day in 2024 (source-3). This increase has been observed across all states, with many states experiencing even larger surges in enforcement activity (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that ICE arrests have averaged 666 per day since Trump took office is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that ICE's daily immigration arrest rate has more than doubled since the beginning of Trump's term, confirming the average of 666 arrests per day (source-3). Additionally, the BBC noted that tens of thousands of individuals have been detained under Trump's administration, further corroborating the significant increase in ICE activity (source-4).
The data's reliability is strengthened by its origin from a Freedom of Information Act request, which typically ensures a level of transparency and accuracy in governmental reporting. However, it is important to note that while the numbers reflect a substantial increase in arrests, they do not provide a complete picture of the broader immigration enforcement landscape, including the context of these arrests and the policies driving them.
The sources used for this fact-check are reputable, including major news organizations like The New York Times and the BBC, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking practices. However, as with any data related to immigration enforcement, there can be variations in reporting and interpretation, particularly regarding the demographic details of those arrested and the reasons behind the arrests.
Conclusion
The claim that ICE arrests have skyrocketed, averaging 666 per day since Trump took office, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that there has been a significant increase in the number of ICE arrests since January 2017, with the average daily arrests exceeding 666.
