Fact Check: Several tourists are detained by ICE agents

Fact Check: Several Tourists Are Detained by ICE Agents

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been actively detaining individuals, including tourists, amid a broader crackdown on immigration. According to a USA Today article, tourists have been detained under circumstances that may seem disproportionate to their alleged infractions. The article highlights instances where foreign travelers faced detention for minor customs or immigration violations, raising concerns about the treatment of these individuals as if they were serious criminals.

Data from the Deportation Data Project reveals that as of June 2025, there were at least 56,000 immigrants in ICE detention, with a significant portion lacking criminal convictions. This increase in detentions aligns with the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement policies, which have reportedly led to a surge in arrests, including those of individuals who may not pose any threat to public safety.

Moreover, the New York Times reported on the dire conditions within detention facilities, suggesting that the influx of detainees has resulted in overcrowded and unsanitary environments. This context underscores the seriousness of the situation for those detained, including tourists.

Analysis

The claim that "several tourists are detained by ICE agents" is supported by multiple sources, including the aforementioned USA Today article, which specifically addresses the detention of tourists. However, the term "several" is vague and could imply a broader trend that may not be fully substantiated by the data available.

The NPR report provides a broader context for the increase in ICE detentions, noting that the population of detainees without criminal records has sharply risen, indicating a shift in ICE's enforcement priorities. This suggests that the agency is not solely targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds but is also apprehending those who may be in the country illegally, including tourists.

While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has attempted to counter narratives about the treatment of detainees, the evidence from various news outlets and data projects indicates a pattern of increased detentions that include tourists. The reliability of these sources varies; while NPR and the New York Times are generally regarded as credible, the DHS has a vested interest in downplaying negative reports about its operations.

Additionally, the Reuters article discusses ICE's tactics and the criticism surrounding its methods, further supporting the notion that the agency's approach has led to a significant number of detentions that include individuals who are not criminals.

Conclusion

The claim that "several tourists are detained by ICE agents" is Partially True. While there is evidence to support that tourists have been detained, the extent and frequency of these detentions are less clear. The broader context of increased ICE detentions, including those without criminal records, suggests that the agency's enforcement actions are affecting a wide range of individuals, including tourists. However, the term "several" may not accurately reflect the scale of the issue, as it could imply a more widespread phenomenon than the data supports.

Sources

1. DHS Debunks Fake News Media Narratives from June
2. ICE, law enforcement partners arrest almost 200 alien offenders during 4-day immigration enforcement operation in Washington, D.C.
3. Most growth in ICE detention population immigrants with no criminal convictions
4. Concerns Grow Over Dire Conditions in Immigrant Detention
5. ICE's tactics draw criticism as it triples daily arrest targets
6. Anger grows over alleged racial profiling in immigration raids
7. 'We are not safe in America today:' These American citizens detained by ICE
8. Tourists detained by ICE treated like 'the worst criminal'