Fact check: Does ICE in the US detain more people under Trump than they did before Trump began his second term?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that ICE detentions have increased under the Trump administration ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Specifically, the number of ICE detentions is up 69% this year over 2024, with 25,003 more people detained from mid-January until the end of August, and 76% of those detained were arrested by ICE ^[3]. Additionally, roughly two-thirds of aliens arrested by ICE and currently detained have criminal histories ^[1]. However, it is essential to note that the original statement's reference to Trump's second term is problematic, as Trump has not had a second term as president ^[4]. ICE detention levels have generally grown over the entire Biden presidency, ending at a figure over two and a half times the detention numbers at the end of the Trump administration ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A crucial piece of missing context is the lack of direct comparison to the number of detentions before Trump's second term, which is not possible since Trump did not have a second term ^{[1] [2]}. Alternative viewpoints suggest that ICE detention levels have increased under the Biden administration, with the highest level of detention recorded as of January 12, 2025 ^[4]. Furthermore, the Trump administration's immigration policy has had a significant impact on immigrants and immigration enforcement, including increased enforcement and detention ^[5]. The use of field operations worksheets by ICE has changed, which may indicate a shift towards broader sweeps and less targeted enforcement, potentially leading to an increase in detentions ^[6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement's reference to Trump's second term is incorrect, as Trump did not have a second term as president ^[4]. This inaccuracy may be intentional or unintentional misinformation, and it is essential to consider the potential bias in the original statement. The statement may benefit those who oppose Trump's immigration policies by creating a narrative that his administration has increased detentions, while those who support Trump's policies may argue that the increase in detentions is necessary for national security and public safety ^{[1] [3]}. Ultimately, it is crucial to rely on accurate and unbiased information when evaluating the impact of Trump's immigration policies on ICE detentions ^{[4] [5]}.