Trump admin ramps up ICE quota to 1,200-1,500 arrests per day: report
The Trump administration is reportedly pushing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase the number of daily arrests from a few hundred to between 1,200 to 1,500 individuals. According to a recent report, ICE field offices have been instructed to aim for 75 arrests per day, with management being held accountable if these quotas are not met.
While the White House press secretary denied the existence of quotas, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security clarified that these were in fact goals rather than quotas. The objective behind this initiative is to remove criminal aliens from the country and prioritize public safety and national security threats.
ICE officials have expressed concerns that these quotas may lead to indiscriminate enforcement tactics and potential civil rights violations. However, the agency has stated that they already have a list of criminal suspects to target, allowing them to focus on individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
Last week, acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman reversed a directive that had restricted ICE enforcement at sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and doctor’s offices. This decision was made to prevent criminals, including murderers and rapists, from using these areas as hiding spots.
Former ICE Director Tom Homan defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of targeting public safety and national security threats. He also stated that the number of immigration-related arrests would increase as part of Trump’s mass deportation plan.
In sanctuary cities where ICE is unable to access jails, agents must conduct enforcement operations in the community, increasing the risk of collateral arrests. Homan highlighted the challenges ICE faces in apprehending targets and ensuring public safety.
ICE has approximately 5,500 officers nationwide dedicated to immigration enforcement and has enlisted the help of Homeland Security Investigations to assist with operations. Additionally, the Department of Justice law enforcement officials have been granted authority to investigate and apprehend illegal immigrants.
The Trump administration’s focus on mass deportations and targeting violent offenders has been met with both support and criticism. While the goal is to enhance national security and public safety, concerns have been raised about the potential implications of enforcing higher arrest quotas.
