Overview
- Internal DHS figures reported by multiple outlets show ICE logged more than 46,000 arrests in July 2026 and held roughly 68,000 people in custody, near the January peak.
- Officials have moved to lower-visibility tactics by running undercover operations in U.S. airports and using expanded TSA–ICE passenger data sharing to identify and detain travelers.
- ICE has opened a procurement to add about 5,500 detention beds, including planned capacity in Miami, Denver, Seattle and Philadelphia, to sustain higher detention levels.
- Civil-rights groups and lawyers have responded with 54 FTCA complaints, habeas petitions and a federal judge’s order releasing a detainee for due-process violations, while advocates report a recent death in New Jersey custody.
- Immigration attorneys warn that the drive to meet internal removal targets could mean more raids this month, raising fear in Latino communities and increasing legal challenges as courts and advocates press for oversight.