CLIENT UPDATE: IMMIGRATION DETENTION NUMBERS REACH HIGHEST LEVELS SINCE 2020
Recent government data shows a major increase in immigration detention during the first half of 2025. The number of people held in ICE custody has risen sharply, with new arrests and expanded detention facilities across the country.
This update explains what’s happening, who it affects, and what clients should do if they are impacted.
1. DETENTION NUMBERS CONTINUE TO RISE
- As of June 2025, between 56,000 and 59,000 people are being held by ICE each day
- This is the highest detention level in over four years
- Detention numbers have grown by about 40 to 50 percent since the start of the year
2. MANY DETAINEES HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD
- Nearly half of those in ICE custody have no criminal convictions
- Many others are detained for low-level or nonviolent offenses like traffic violations
3. IMMIGRATION ARRESTS HAVE INCREASED ACROSS THE COUNTRY
- ICE is now responsible for over half of all immigration arrests
- Officers are arresting between 1,200 and 2,000 people each day
- Many of these arrests are happening inside the U.S., not just at the border
4. DETENTION FACILITIES ARE OVERCROWDED
- ICE detention centers are operating above their approved capacity
- Some facilities are holding more people than they were designed for
- New detention sites have opened in places like Florida and Indiana to meet demand
5. MOST DETAINEES ARE IN PRIVATE OR LOCAL JAILS
- Over 90 percent of ICE detainees are held in private prisons or local jails
- These facilities are often run by private companies under government contracts
- Many face concerns about overcrowding, lack of oversight, and poor conditions
6. COURT CASES ARE MOVING FASTER, WITH LESS SUPPORT
- Over 730,000 people are now listed in the detained court system
- Detained cases usually move faster than regular immigration court cases
- Many people do not have a lawyer or enough time to prepare a defense
SUMMARY
- ICE is holding the highest number of people in detention since 2020
- Many detainees have no serious criminal history
- Arrests are happening more frequently and across more locations
- Detention centers are full, and new ones are opening
- Most detainees are in private jails or local facilities
- Cases are moving fast, and legal help is limited for many
WHAT CLIENTS SHOULD DO
- If you or someone you know is detained, contact a trusted immigration attorney immediately
- Do not sign any documents without speaking to legal counsel
- Keep all personal documents organized and easy to access in case they are needed
- If you are at risk of removal, ask about your legal options as soon as possible
- Make sure your address and contact information are up to date with immigration authorities
