DHS Disputes Report on ICE Non-Criminal Arrests
The Daily Telegraph has reported, citing its sources, that enforcement directives appear to have shifted, restricting arrests to undocumented immigrants facing criminal charges or those who have already been convicted.
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The sources also stated that this change would put an end to so-called “collateral arrests”—situations where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers encounter other undocumented immigrants while pursuing specific criminal targets. According to the report, under this directive, officers will only arrest identified targets.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed this claim, emphasizing that sanctuary cities are strengthening public safety nationwide and stating that ICE officers target individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, including murder, rape, child sex offenses, and gang-related crimes.
Due to conflicting accounts, it remains unclear whether ICE has issued any interim internal guidance to its officers, or whether localized enforcement practices have actually changed.
This report comes at a time when ICE is ramping up its enforcement operations. The controversy unfolds as the Trump administration continues to expand immigration enforcement efforts across the United States.
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Recent reports and government statements both indicate a sharp increase in ICE arrests. For example, according to data analyzed by the “Deportation Data Project” in Oklahoma, an analysis of immigration arrests conducted through the 287(g) cooperative program found that between January and July, more than 1,800 people were arrested, with fewer than 20% having a criminal record.
The Department of Homeland Security has disputed the analysis, stating that the data is being used to promote what it calls a false narrative.
The Daily Telegraph reported that some ICE officers believe the purported changes in arrest numbers may be related to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, though this claim comes from anonymous sources and has not been confirmed by DHS. One source told the outlet that officials expect arrest numbers to decrease.
Currently, the department states that there is no blanket directive excluding non-criminal undocumented immigrants, and ICE will continue conducting immigration arrests as part of the administration’s enforcement operations.