Immigration arrests have risen sharply across the country, more than doubling in 38 states since President Trump took office, according to newly released data reviewed by The New York Times.
Enforcement activity has surged even further in recent weeks, following a directive from Trump’s top immigration adviser, Stephen Miller, urging agents to intensify efforts to increase arrests.
The majority of recent immigration arrests have taken place in states with large immigrant populations, such as Florida and Texas, both of which already saw elevated enforcement levels under President Biden, the Times report said.
Since January 20, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 20,000 individuals in Texas alone, despite a noticeable decline in border crossings. ICE’s Miami field office, which oversees Florida and Puerto Rico, has recorded more than 11,000 arrests during the same period, it added.
