Fact Check: ICE arrests in Virginia have increased by more than 350 percent since 2024.

Fact Check: "ICE arrests in Virginia have increased by more than 350 percent since 2024."

What We Know

The claim that ICE arrests in Virginia have increased by more than 350 percent since 2024 is based on recent reports and statistics. According to a New York Times article, arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Virginia have indeed seen a significant increase. However, the specific percentage increase mentioned in the claim requires careful examination against available data.

The ICE Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report indicates that during FY 2024, ICE conducted a total of 113,431 administrative arrests nationwide, which included 33,243 at-large arrests. The report also states that a substantial portion of these arrests were of noncitizens with criminal convictions or pending charges, suggesting a focus on individuals involved in criminal activities.

In a recent announcement, Governor Glenn Youngkin reported that the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF) surpassed 2,500 arrests as of July 1, 2025, which includes arrests of violent criminals illegally in the U.S. This announcement was part of a broader initiative to combat organized crime and illegal immigration in Virginia (Governor's Office).

Analysis

While the claim of a 350 percent increase in ICE arrests in Virginia is supported by the New York Times report, it is crucial to contextualize this figure. The report does not provide a specific baseline for the number of arrests in 2024, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the percentage increase. The lack of detailed statistics from ICE for the year 2024 specifically for Virginia means that the claim may be based on incomplete data.

The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics and the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report provide a broader view of ICE activities but do not break down the numbers specifically for Virginia in a way that confirms or refutes the 350 percent increase claim. Additionally, the context of the arrests—whether they are part of a larger trend or a response to specific initiatives—also plays a crucial role in understanding the implications of this increase.

The New York Times is generally considered a reliable source, but it is essential to approach claims about specific statistics with caution, especially when they are not directly supported by primary data from official sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that ICE arrests in Virginia have increased by more than 350 percent since 2024 cannot be substantiated with the available data. While there has been a reported increase in arrests, the lack of specific baseline figures from 2024 makes it impossible to verify the accuracy of the percentage increase. Therefore, the claim is misleading and cannot be confirmed as true.

Fact Check: ICE arrests in Virginia have increased by more than 350 percent since 2024.