DHS Reports Daily Immigrant Arrests

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently apprehending around 2,000 immigrants each day, according to immigration official Tom Homan during a White House press briefing on Monday.

Homan mentioned that this number remains stable, despite speculation and criticism regarding the current immigration policies, particularly surrounding the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the use of body cameras. Reporters inquired specifically about these topics.

This press moment also allowed Homan to defend DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The two have found themselves navigating between the interests of pro-deportation Republican voters and the business community’s demand for more immigrant labor and housing.

“Mark Wayne and I aim to collaborate effectively. He values his mission, and while we play different roles, I think he’s doing a commendable job,” Homan stated.

His comments seemed directed at countering criticism from American activists and some voters. Homan acknowledged dissatisfaction from certain right-wing circles regarding the government’s approach.

“Some feel we’re not doing enough,” he noted, mentioning a claim that ICE could arrest up to 3,000 individuals daily. “That’s simply untrue; our current average is about 2,000,” he clarified, adding that arrests in general have increased by 40% compared to previous funding periods.

“I’m frustrated with the misleading narratives surrounding our actions. Last month, we reached the highest number of arrests in the agency’s history. It’d be great if critics did their homework before launching attacks,” he remarked.

Homan continued to dismiss the accusations aimed at ICE agents, emphasizing their dedication and professional conduct. “To undermine their work is an insult. These individuals strive daily to achieve this mission,” he expressed passionately.

Though the 2,000 daily arrests are significant, it’s worth noting immigration numbers continue to rise, which stands at about 730,000 annually—this is less than 10% of the eight million migrants affected by current policies.

Some pro-deportation activists are demanding more deportations and are pursuing legal action for access to data. Chairman Mike Howell emphasized the need for accountability regarding deportation statistics, expressing concerns about potential manipulation of numbers that could affect future policies.

“Our aim is to ensure transparency in deportation figures to facilitate a legitimate policy discussion,” Howell stated.

He pointed out that many within the base feel disillusioned by the numbers being reported. “We need to restore trust so that voters can clearly understand where we stand,” he said.

With upcoming elections on the horizon, Howell noted the importance of addressing these issues for voter turnout and engagement. “Voters want mass deportations; it’s a viable issue for us,” he added.

On the same day, DHS disclosed that it has deported 356,389 individuals since October 2025. Homan alluded to a troubling past where inflated deportation figures were used politically, stressing the importance of honest reporting in the current climate.

“We want to clear the way for real policy dialogue on deportation efforts,” he concluded.

In previous months, business groups had discussions with DHS regarding enforcement strategies, highlighting the complex interplay between immigration policy and economic needs. Homan recently suggested that enhancing ground enforcement could foster better labor conditions for American workers.

“Our goal is to demystify these processes to better serve those who support fair labor practices,” he stated.