ICE arrests 10,000 migrants in five days as deportation push intensifies

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 10,000 people in five days at the end of June, doubling the daily arrest rate to about 2,000 Source: La Vanguardia, Listín Diario, Infobae. This marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, now executed through a quieter, more systematic approach.

Strategic Shift

The surge follows a change in tactics after the Minneapolis incident, where federal agents killed two U.S. citizens, prompting DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to move away from high-profile raids Source: Listín Diario. Instead, arrests occur during routine traffic stops, check-ins, and street patrols without advance publicity Source: La Vanguardia. Agents were told the White House wanted the increase, with 2,000 arrests per day set as the new target Source: Infobae.

Political Context

The escalation coincides with the Supreme Court’s rejection of Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, prompting the president to call for a constitutional amendment Source: La Vanguardia. The administration touts the arrests as fulfilling a campaign promise, with DHS stating nearly 70% of those arrested had criminal records Source: La Jornada. However, independent data suggest most have no serious criminal history Source: La Vanguardia.

Uncertain Future

It remains unclear how long the heightened pace can be maintained. Officials acknowledge the target may be unsustainable Source: Infobae. Meanwhile, ICE detention numbers rose to about 39,000 in June, up from roughly 30,000 in previous months Source: Listín Diario.