Fact Check: "ICE has reportedly detained thousands of immigrants in the U.S."
What We Know
Recent data from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that the agency is currently detaining more than 56,000 immigrants, marking the highest number since 2019 (KPBS). This figure represents a significant increase from earlier in the year, when approximately 39,000 individuals were detained in January (CBS News). The rise in detentions has been attributed to a notable increase in the number of immigrants without criminal records, which surged from around 800 to over 11,700 during the same period, reflecting a staggering increase of 12,000% (KPBS).
ICE releases detention statistics bi-weekly, and the latest data was published on June 20, 2025 (KPBS). The agency categorizes detainees based on their criminal history, with a small percentage classified as "ICE Threat Level One," indicating they are considered the most dangerous. However, over 80% of the detainees have no criminal convictions (KPBS).
Analysis
The claim that "ICE has reportedly detained thousands of immigrants in the U.S." is supported by multiple credible sources. The data from ICE itself, as reported by CBS News, confirms that the number of detainees has reached approximately 59,000, with a significant portion (65%) having no prior criminal convictions (CBS News, Cato Institute). This aligns with the findings from KPBS, which detail the dramatic increase in detentions and the demographic breakdown of those detained.
The reliability of these sources is high. ICE is the official agency responsible for immigration enforcement, and their published statistics are regularly scrutinized and reported by reputable news organizations. CBS News and KPBS are established media outlets known for their investigative journalism and adherence to factual reporting.
However, it is essential to note that while the data reflects a significant increase in detentions, the context surrounding these numbers—such as policy changes and enforcement priorities—can influence interpretations. For example, the increase in detentions of individuals without criminal records may suggest a shift in ICE's operational focus, which has been a point of contention among immigration advocates (Cato Institute).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "ICE has reportedly detained thousands of immigrants in the U.S." is accurate based on the latest data from ICE and corroborated by reputable news sources. The statistics clearly indicate that the number of detained immigrants has risen significantly, with a substantial portion lacking criminal records, thus confirming the claim's validity.
