ICE Arrests in New York Soar Beyond 2024 Totals Amid Trump-Era Crackdown

Immigration arrests in New York have already surpassed last year’s totals following a sharp two-month surge, with most detainees lacking any criminal background. The rapid escalation reflects a broader nationwide increase in enforcement tied to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from state officials and advocacy groups.

According to federal figures reviewed by the Deportation Data Project, arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in June and July were four times higher than during the same stretch of 2024.

By early July, the statewide count of arrests had exceeded all of last year. Roughly 70% of those detained statewide had no criminal history, with the percentage even greater in Western New York.

Immigrant advocates and local officials say ICE is increasingly targeting individuals with pending asylum claims or valid work permits. Rochester City Council President Miguel Meléndez pointed to the detention of a man employed at a car wash who had applied for asylum legally and had no known record.

“That’s the kind of thing that’s starting to happen more often,” Meléndez said.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned ICE after reports that a mother was detained and separated from her 7-year-old daughter during a standard check-in at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan.

“President Trump promised only to target the ‘worst of the worst,’ but ICE continues to target families, students, and those contributing to society,” Hochul said, calling for their release.

New York City has emerged as a focal point for courthouse arrests. ICE averaged 24 daily detentions at the Manhattan immigration court during June and July.

ICE Arrests in New York Soar Beyond 2024 Totals Amid Trump-Era Crackdown