ICE intensifies operations as illegal immigrant detention centers collapse: What do they plan to do?

Immigrant detention centers in the United States have reached full capacity, with over 47,600 people held in these facilities, equivalent to 120% occupancy, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In light of this crisis, the government has intensified its arrest operations and seeks to expand its detention infrastructure while requesting additional funds from Congress.

Increase in arrests under the Trump administration

Since Donald Trump took office, ICE has intensified its arrest operations.

Between January 20 and March 10, 2025, the agency reported 32,809 arrests, distributed as follows:

14,111 convicted criminals.

9,980 people with pending criminal charges.

8,718 arrested for immigration violations.

1,155 alleged gang members.

39 suspects of terrorism.

The interim director of ICE, Todd Lyons, emphasized that this policy responds to a new direction within the agency: "We expect that the numbers of arrests and deportations by ICE will continue to rise as we free an agency that has had its hands tied for the past four years."

He also indicated that these operations aim to deter potential irregular immigrants from crossing the border.

The Trump administration has indicated that these arrests are part of its strategy to strengthen internal security and curb illegal immigration.

However, organizations that advocate for migrant rights have warned that these measures are instilling fear among immigrants, including those with regular immigration status.

Overwhelmed infrastructure and contingency measures

The detention centers funded by ICE have the capacity to hold an average of 41,500 people; however, they are currently detaining 47,600 immigrants, prompting the agency to seek assistance from other entities to expand their capacity.

In this regard, ICE has requested assistance from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Furthermore, the authorities have noted that some detainees are being released under the Alternatives to Detention program, based on humanitarian or medical considerations.

However, the Trump administration insists that an additional 100,000 beds are needed to support its immigration policies. This has sparked a debate in Congress about the feasibility of allocating these funds and the impact it would have on the federal prison system.

ICE has announced that it is evaluating the possibility of reopening detention centers that were closed in previous years and establishing agreements with state governments to utilize unused correctional facilities.

It has also explored contracts with private companies such as Geo Group and CoreCivic, which currently operate several of the largest detention centers in the country.

Deportations in numbers: Fewer expulsions than under Biden

Despite the increase in arrests, deportations during the Trump administration have been lower than in the last year of Biden's government.

In February 2025, the number of deportations was 35% lower compared to the monthly average of 2024.

This resulted in the dismissal of the former ICE director and the appointment of Lyons, who stated that the agency now has a "culture of action and accountability."

According to reports from U.S. media, Trump has expressed his frustration with the slow pace of deportations and has requested Congress to change the laws to facilitate quicker expulsions.

In this regard, their administration is considering the reactivation of policies such as the expedited removal process, which allows for deportations without a court hearing in certain cases.

Family detention centers and their impact on minors

As part of its immigration control strategy, the Trump administration has resumed the detention of families with children at centers such as the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center in Texas, which is operated by the private company Geo Group.

Currently, 14 families are being held in this facility.

The Karnes Center has faced criticism in the past for the conditions in which detainees are held. Human rights organizations have reported a lack of adequate access to medical care and the psychological impact that prolonged detention has on children.

Human rights defenders have expressed concern over the detention of minors in these centers.

Alan Shapiro, a child health specialist from Terra Firma National, warned that detained children have shown symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

There have also been reported cases of self-harm and suicidal thoughts among minors deprived of liberty.

Family detention centers had been used sparingly during the Biden administration in an effort to lessen the impact on children.

However, with Trump’s new policy, more families are expected to be confined in these centers while awaiting the resolution of their immigration cases.

Sanctuary cities in the government's sights

The Trump administration has taken a tougher stance against so-called "sanctuary cities," which are those that limit their cooperation with ICE.

Tom Homan, a migration policy advisor at the White House, has warned that the administration will send more agents to these jurisdictions to carry out arrests.

"Sanctuary cities are going to get exactly what they don't want: more agents in the community and more collateral arrests," he noted.

These policies have generated tensions between the federal government and local leaders, who argue that the presence of ICE in their communities creates an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among immigrants, making it difficult to cooperate with local police in solving crimes.

As the administration progresses, Congress and American society will continue to debate the extent to which the government should tighten immigration policies and what role ICE should play in the enforcement of immigration law.

Frequently asked questions about the intensification of ICE operations and the immigrant detention crisis in the U.S.