Fact check: How do ICE's false arrests compare to their overall arrests

1. Summary of the results

While exact false arrest rates are not directly provided in the analyses, there are significant concerns about ICE's detention practices. In one tracked sample, ICE improperly detained 13 out of 14 non-citizens who had already been granted protection from deportation ^[1]. As for overall arrests, ICE averaged 759 arrests per day during FY 2024 ^[2], with the Trump administration claiming approximately 20,000 arrests in their first month ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need to be considered:

• The Trump administration set goals of 1,200-1,500 arrests per day, but actual numbers fell significantly short of these targets ^[3]
• There are documented cases of verification issues with ICE's arrest claims. For example, in New Mexico, local advocates and lawyers could not verify details of 48 alleged arrests ^[4]
• Despite claims of targeting dangerous individuals, many arrested immigrants do not have criminal records ^[4]
• The administration's reported 627% increase in monthly arrests has been challenged by immigration experts as misleading ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself assumes we have reliable data on false arrests, which we don't. Several parties have vested interests in how this information is presented:

• The Administration: Benefits from presenting higher arrest numbers and claiming successful enforcement, as evidenced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's claims of dramatic increases ^[3]
• Immigration Experts: Argue that the administration's focus is more on media optics than actual public safety ^[3]
• ICE: Has shown potential opacity in reporting, making it difficult to verify their claims independently ^[4]
• Advocacy Groups: Benefit from highlighting cases of improper detention and systemic issues in ICE's practices ^[1]