ICE Deportations Approach Record Highs Under Trump
As of now, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported close to 200,000 individuals since President Donald Trump’s administration began in January. This data suggests a significant uptick, potentially leading to the highest number of removals in a decade, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security.
On Friday, an ICE representative stated that between January and August 27, 2025, they removed 199,600 individuals. Interestingly, the first quarter of the current fiscal year, which ran from early October 2024 to late December 2024, was the last period of action under former President Biden, during which 71,405 people were deported.
The figures up to September 30 imply that ICE could record an estimated 271,000 deportations for the federal fiscal year 2025. Last year, the agency removed 271,484 individuals, marking the highest total since 2014, which was under former President Barack Obama’s administration—when there were 315,943 deportations.
A notable portion—about one-third—of the deported individuals last year had criminal backgrounds. This included 47,885 people charged or convicted of assault and 16,552 connected to sexual offenses. Among the total removals, 237 individuals were recognized or suspected terrorists, a 70.5% increase compared to 2023. Additionally, eight were classified as human rights violators, representing a 33.3% rise from the previous year.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, emphasized on Thursday that “opportunities are increasing across the country,” hinting at further ramping up operations in major cities like Chicago and New York.
According to Homan, the support from local sheriffs in Texas and Florida has been beneficial for ICE, as they notify the agency when individuals are released from custody. He pointed out that this cooperation allows ICE to prioritize areas with higher risks to public safety, particularly sanctuary cities.
A senior official from Homeland Security mentioned that the total deportations from all federal agencies have approached nearly 350,000, indicating that this is just the beginning of their efforts.
In light of the developments, Homan reiterated the administration’s message regarding illegal immigration: “Those who are in our country illegally will face consequences.” Efforts to control immigration through routes such as Panama’s Darien Gap are reportedly poised to drop drastically.
