Trump administration sets ICE arrest quotas of 1,200-1,500

Trump administration sets ICE daily arrest goals at 1,200-1,500; raises concerns about enforcement tactics and civil rights violations.

The Trump administration has reportedly instructed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to aim for daily arrests between 1,200 and 1,500.

This target significantly increases the previous figures of a few hundred arrests and was discussed in an internal call with ICE officials, according to a Washington Post report.

During the call, field offices were advised to achieve 75 arrests each day, with management responsible for meeting these quotas.

Concerns have been raised by current and former ICE officials regarding potential civil rights violations connected to these enforced goals.

The White House has contested the report, stating that “goals” is the appropriate terminology, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

ICE aims to prioritise public safety and national security, with an official indicating that a list of criminal suspects already exists to guide enforcement actions.

Recent changes have allowed ICE to operate in previously restricted areas, targeting violent offenders more effectively.

Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman highlighted that these measures are intended to address the issue of violent criminals exploiting sensitive locations.

Trump’s immigration strategy continues to aim for mass deportations, with a focus on public safety and national security threats.

The administration has also extended enforcement authority to other law enforcement agencies to assist in investigating illegal immigrants.

Huffman noted that efforts to apprehend illegal immigrants have been under-resourced for years.