Maria had been living quietly in Phoenix for eight years, working double shifts at a local diner to support her two young children who were born in the United States. She’d never been in trouble with the law—not even a speeding ticket. But last month, ICE agents knocked on her apartment door at 6 a.m., and within hours, she was in federal custody facing deportation.
Maria’s story isn’t unique. In fact, it represents a significant portion of the nearly 400,000 people swept up in immigration raids during President Trump’s first year back in office. And according to newly obtained government data, her experience challenges everything we’ve been told about who these operations are really targeting.
The numbers tell a story that might surprise you. Despite repeated promises that ICE arrests under the Trump administration would focus on “the worst of the worst”—violent criminals and dangerous gang members—the reality looks quite different when you examine the internal documents.
The Gap Between Promise and Reality
An internal Department of Homeland Security document obtained by CBS News reveals that less than 14% of ICE arrests in Trump’s first year back in office involved people with violent criminal records. That’s a striking contradiction to the administration’s public messaging about prioritizing dangerous criminals for removal.
“We keep hearing about targeting murderers and rapists, but the data shows that’s not what’s happening on the ground,” said immigration policy analyst Jennifer Rodriguez. “The vast majority of people being arrested are either non-violent offenders or have no criminal record at all.”
The statistics paint a clear picture of how ICE operations have actually unfolded. Nearly 40% of those arrested had no criminal background whatsoever—they were detained purely for civil immigration violations like overstaying a visa or living in the country without proper documentation.
Even among those who did have some kind of criminal history, the charges were predominantly non-violent. Less than 2% of all ICE arrests involved people accused of homicide or sexual assault. Another 2% were suspected gang members.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The internal DHS document provides the most detailed look yet at ICE arrest patterns, covering roughly 393,000 detentions between January 21 and January 31 of this year. Here’s what the data reveals:
| Category | Number of Arrests | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total ICE Arrests | 393,000 | 100% |
| Criminal Aliens (with criminal history) | 229,000 | 58% |
| Administrative Arrests (no criminal record) | 153,000 | 39% |
| New Criminal Arrests | 11,000 | 3% |
The most significant finding is that violent criminals make up such a small fraction of arrests. The breakdown of criminal histories among those detained includes:
- Homicide or sexual assault charges: Less than 2%
- Gang membership allegations: 2%
- Violent criminal records overall: Under 14%
- Non-violent offenses (fraud, DUI, drug possession): Majority of criminal cases
- No criminal record: Nearly 40%
“The administration keeps talking about going after the most dangerous people, but when you look at who’s actually being arrested, it’s largely people who pose no public safety threat,” explained immigration attorney Carlos Mendez, who represents detainees in several states.
It’s worth noting that DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin pointed out that many serious crimes are classified as “nonviolent” in these statistics, including drug trafficking, child pornography distribution, and human smuggling. However, even accounting for these categorizations, the data suggests a much broader enforcement approach than publicly described.
The Human Cost and Shifting Public Opinion
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real families being separated and communities living in fear. The broad scope of ICE arrests under the Trump administration has created ripple effects that extend far beyond the individuals detained.
Public support for the deportation program has shifted dramatically as people witness these operations firsthand. A recent CBS News poll found that American support for Trump’s deportation efforts dropped from 59% at the start of his term to just 46% last month. More than 60% of those surveyed said immigration agents were being “too tough.”
The change in public sentiment reflects growing concerns about enforcement tactics and who’s being targeted. In cities like Minneapolis, residents have reported aggressive raids in residential neighborhoods, workplace sweeps, and arrests of people with deep community ties.
“When people see their neighbors, coworkers, and friends getting arrested—people they know aren’t criminals—it changes their perspective,” said community organizer Lisa Chen, who works with immigrant families in California.
The scale of operations has increased dramatically compared to the previous administration. ICE made more than triple the number of administrative arrests in Trump’s first year compared to fiscal year 2024 under President Biden, when 113,000 such arrests were recorded.
However, while the total numbers have surged, the percentage of arrests involving people with criminal histories has actually decreased—from 72% in fiscal year 2024 to nearly 60% under the current administration. This suggests that ICE is casting a much wider net, picking up more people without criminal backgrounds.
For families like Maria’s, this data provides context for their experience but little comfort. Her children, both U.S. citizens, are now staying with relatives while their mother fights her deportation case from detention.
“The system is supposed to prioritize the most dangerous people,” said immigration advocate Robert Thompson. “But what we’re seeing is mass arrests that separate families and destabilize entire communities, often targeting people who’ve been contributing members of society for years.”
The discrepancy between the administration’s rhetoric about targeting “the worst of the worst” and the reality of who’s being arrested has become a central point of debate in discussions about immigration policy. As these operations continue, the data suggests that the impact extends far beyond the dangerous criminals that politicians frequently cite as justification for aggressive enforcement.
FAQs
What percentage of ICE arrests under Trump involve violent criminals?
Less than 14% of those arrested by ICE in Trump’s first year back in office had violent criminal records, according to internal DHS documents.
How many people has ICE arrested since Trump returned to office?
ICE made approximately 393,000 arrests between January 21 and January 31 of this year, representing a dramatic increase from previous levels.
What types of crimes are most common among those arrested?
The majority of those with criminal records were arrested for non-violent offenses like fraud, DUI, or drug possession. Nearly 40% had no criminal record at all.
How has public opinion changed about deportation efforts?
Support for Trump’s deportation program dropped from 59% at the start of his term to 46% in recent polling, with over 60% saying agents are being “too tough.”
How do current arrest numbers compare to the Biden administration?
ICE made more than triple the number of administrative arrests in Trump’s first year compared to fiscal year 2024, though the percentage involving people with criminal histories actually decreased.
What does “administrative arrest” mean?
Administrative arrests involve people detained solely for civil immigration violations, such as overstaying a visa or living in the country without proper documentation, rather than criminal charges.
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