New government data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act suggest a significant change in the approach that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) takes to enforcing laws in New York City. From September 2023 to June 10, 2025, the New York City field office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recorded 7,619 arrests, which is the same number as the previous year’s total up until May. At the beginning of June alone, there were 495 arrests, which is more than six times the number of detentions that occurred over the same 10-day period in the previous year.
Shift to Non-Criminal Targets at Courthouses
- Since the middle of May, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have been conducting arrests of immigrants at check-in places and courthouses, with a significant number of them being individuals who have no criminal record.
- At the beginning of June, there were a total of 495 arrests, and 360 of them were just for civil immigration breaches.
- The majority of these arrests took place at 26 Federal Plaza, which was responsible for the processing of 965 detainees up until June 10th.
Annual Comparison: Temporary Spike or Long-term Shift?
- However, the recent acceleration since May implies that there has been an intentional enforcement adjustment that is being fuelled by new deportation funds. The total number of arrests in 2025 has only increased by 1% overall.
- The manner of arrest, which focuses on immigrants who are performing their normal court commitments, looks to be an innovative strategy.
Wider National Trend
A larger national pattern, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is stepping up tough deportation techniques, which is made possible by increased federal budget and military backing, is aligned with the uptick in arrests in New York City.
How This Affects New York City
- A shift in strategy has occurred as a result of the fact that half of the arrests made this year are for civil offenses.
- Arrests are routinely taking place at federal courthouses, which are locations that are immune from municipal safeguards. This is putting New York City’s sanctuary policy to the test.
- Courthouse-based enforcement, in conjunction with accelerated removal orders that are implemented on a national scale, indicates a deportation engine that is both more cost-effective and more efficient.
