Intensification of immigration operations: ICE reports record increase in arrests in New York and New Jersey
The migration landscape in the United States is experiencing a period of high operational activity. Recent data reveal a sustained increase in arrests executed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reflecting the tightening of immigration policies under the current administration of President Donald Trump.
According to gathered information, the month of July closed with a total of 49,571 arrests nationwide, marking the highest monthly figure recorded during Trump’s second term. This number represents a notable increase considering that 43,021 arrests were reported in June and the figure was 29,241 in February, evidencing a constant upward trend throughout the U.S. territory.
New Jersey and New York: Focus of federal actions
In the northeast region, the impact of these operations has been significant:
- New Jersey: It positions itself as one of the states with the highest increase, recording a 147.6% rise in arrests between the months of May and July. In July alone, more than 2,100 people were arrested by federal agents, of which nearly 1,800 were admitted to detention centers.
- New York: The trend is also upward. After recording 754 arrests in April, the figure climbed to 1,355 in July, which represents a growth of 79.7% in just three months. This figure is drastically higher than the 182 arrests recorded in December 2024.
Legal conflict over collaboration with ICE
This increase in arrests comes at a time of political tension in New York. Since August 25th, new state regulations have gone into effect, such as the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” which prohibits local agencies from maintaining 287(g) agreements with ICE. These agreements allowed municipal police to act under federal immigration law functions.
State authorities maintain that the resources of local police forces should be focused on combating crime and ensuring the safety of their communities, rather than being used to enforce federal civil immigration policies.
The measure has generated an immediate judicial response. A group of fifteen sheriffs from various counties has filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the ban, arguing that it limits their ability to work with immigration authorities. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James maintain their firm stance in defense of the state legislation, leaving this debate in the hands of the U.S. courts.
