 between January and October 2025 had no criminal history.){kind=link}
New data reveals that nearly 75,000 people arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between January and October 2025 had no criminal history.
Data Contradicts Administration Claims
Despite the Trump administration’s insistence that raids targeted violent offenders, the University of California, Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project found that almost one-third of the roughly 220,000 arrests during Trump’s second term involved people with no prior convictions. The report does not distinguish between minor and serious offenses for those with records.
“This contradicts what the administration has been saying about people who are convicted criminals and that they are going after the worst of the worst,” said Ariel Ruiz Soto, senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute.
Border Patrol Arrests Not Included
The data focuses solely on ICE arrests and excludes actions by Border Patrol, which has been active in Trump-targeted cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Ruiz Soto noted the lack of transparency regarding how many arrests Border Patrol conducts and the conditions under which removals occur.
Push for Increased Arrests
Reports indicate that Trump administration officials pressured ICE to meet high arrest quotas, with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller threatening personnel and offices over performance. Critics say this focus diverted resources from other law enforcement priorities.
Controversial Tactics and Citizenship Impact
Trump has publicly endorsed aggressive tactics during raids, claiming many targets are dangerous criminals. Meanwhile, some immigrants preparing for U.S. citizenship have been pulled from ceremonies due to country-of-origin restrictions, raising concerns about fairness in the naturalization process.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its actions, stating it is “making every effort to ensure individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best” and emphasizing that “citizenship is a privilege, not a right.”
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