Fact Check: Trump's administration aims for 3,000 ICE arrests daily.

Fact Check: Trump's Administration Aims for 3,000 ICE Arrests Daily

What We Know

The claim that the Trump administration aims for 3,000 ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) arrests daily has been substantiated by multiple credible sources. According to a report by Reuters, the administration has set a new daily arrest quota of 3,000, significantly up from the previous target of 1,000 arrests per day. This change was reportedly influenced by criticism from senior advisor Stephen Miller regarding low arrest numbers, prompting a push for increased enforcement efforts (AP News).

Furthermore, data indicates that ICE's arrest numbers have surged since the beginning of Trump's term, with reports showing that the agency arrested over 78,000 individuals between January 20 and May 19, 2025, averaging approximately 656 arrests per day (AP News). The new target of 3,000 arrests represents a substantial increase, aiming to more than quadruple the average daily arrests.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, stemming from reputable news organizations and official reports. The Reuters article explicitly states that the Trump administration has tripled the daily arrest target, which aligns with the reported increase in ICE operations following internal pressures to ramp up enforcement. The credibility of the sources is high; both Reuters and AP News are established news outlets known for their investigative journalism and adherence to journalistic standards.

However, some sources express concerns about the implications of such a high target. For instance, an article from the New York Post highlights that this mandate could lead to a deprioritization of targeting dangerous criminals, as ICE agents may feel pressured to meet the quota at the expense of focusing on high-risk individuals. This critique suggests that while the target is clear, the operational effectiveness and ethical implications of such a policy are contentious.

In addition, the Law & Crime report corroborates the claim, noting that the new goal of 3,000 arrests per day is more than 4.5 times the previous average, further reinforcing the assertion that the administration is indeed aiming for this ambitious target.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the Trump administration aims for 3,000 ICE arrests daily is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that this target has been set, representing a significant increase in enforcement efforts. While the operational and ethical implications of this policy are debated, the factual basis of the claim stands supported by reliable reporting.