Staff Reports
Immigration enforcement in the United States has surged dramatically in 2025 under the Trump administration, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reporting a near doubling of arrests compared to the same period last year. From Inauguration Day through early February, ICE has made approximately 11,791 arrests, including nearly 9,000 individuals with criminal histories and over 430 suspected gang members. These numbers reflect a renewed focus on interior enforcement, targeting those deemed threats to public safety and national security.
Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” has been vocal about prioritizing the removal of dangerous individuals, pointing out that hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants with criminal records remain in the U.S. Homan’s approach is unapologetically aggressive, emphasizing that no one in the country unlawfully is exempt from enforcement. Sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have faced particular scrutiny, with Homan warning that their policies force ICE agents into communities, leading to “collateral arrests” of non-criminal illegal immigrants.
The administration’s efforts extend beyond interior enforcement. At the southern border, encounters have plummeted to just 229 in a single day—down from daily highs of 11,000 under previous administrations. This sharp decline reflects enhanced border security measures and a deterrence-focused approach that has significantly reduced illegal crossings. The administration has also expanded detention capacity, including plans to house up to 30,000 individuals at Guantanamo Bay for those deemed high-risk.
Critics argue that this enforcement surge risks overreach and unfairly targets non-criminal immigrants. However, conservatives view these actions as long overdue. For years, they argue, lax immigration policies have undermined public safety and strained resources. The Trump administration’s crackdown is seen as a necessary step to restore order and enforce the rule of law. Homan’s insistence on holding companies accountable for aiding illegal immigrants further underscores this commitment to addressing all facets of the issue.
As the immigration debate intensifies, the administration’s firm stance is resonating with many Americans who feel that previous policies failed to prioritize their safety and security. With ICE ramping up operations and border crossings at historic lows, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for immigration enforcement. Whether these measures will lead to lasting reform or provoke further political clashes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Trump administration is determined to make immigration enforcement a cornerstone of its legacy.
