Immigration Arrests Surge Nationwide Under Trump Administration

Since President Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency in January 2025, there has been a dramatic nationwide surge in immigration arrests, with significant increases reported across multiple states including Washington, California, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. In Washington, arrests more than doubled in June compared to previous months, although the proportion of arrestees with criminal records dropped to less than one-third. ICE data show arrest increases of over 122% in California and up to 470% in Virginia, highlighting the Trump administration's aggressive push to deport criminal illegal immigrants, including those convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape. The administration has received unprecedented funding, with Congress allocating $170 billion to expand deportation efforts, making ICE the largest federal law enforcement agency. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons noted an 830% rise in attacks on ICE personnel, attributing it to heightened rhetoric against ICE from elected officials. While the administration emphasizes targeting the 'worst of the worst,' immigrant advocacy groups express concern about the impact on immigrant communities and the broadening scope of arrests beyond criminal records.