New York arrests surge, reaching 2,365 by the end of June, with detention times increasing.

After returning to the White House, President Donald Trump ordered a massive nationwide roundup of undocumented immigrants. Federal data shows that from the end of January to the end of June, 2,365 immigrants were apprehended in the New York City area, nearly tripling the number apprehended in the first five months of Trump’s first term, and detention times were significantly prolonged.

By the end of June, the number had reached 2,365, with a daily increase of three times in late May.

The New York Times reported that since late May, the average daily number of detainees in New York City has increased from 11 per month to 33, triple the average in previous months. The report attributed this change to a call by Trump’s Homeland Security Advisor, Stephen Miller, to accelerate deportations.

In the early days of Trump’s presidency, Democratic officials and the immigrant community worried about raids on shelters, restaurants, streets, and even schools, hospitals, and churches. However, New York City’s actual enforcement strategy has not been widespread raids, but rather focused on “sites of process” such as courts and federal offices, where immigrants are arrested without their knowledge. In contrast, Los Angeles has conducted numerous workplace raids, resulting in over 4,700 arrests.

Nearly Half Arrested at Federal Immigration Offices or Immigration Courts

Since January 20th, nearly half of all immigrants arrested in New York City have been arrested while reporting to federal immigration offices or immigration courts in Manhattan. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called this approach “pragmatic” and avoided neighborhood pursuits. She noted that 70% of immigrants arrested nationwide have convictions or pending criminal cases.

Several Legislators Witnessed ICE Arrests and Criticized the Intimidation of Immigrants

Several legislators reported witnessing ICE arrests at Federal Plaza in New York City, criticizing the practice as intimidating immigrants, deterring them from reporting and undermining their legitimate legal rights. State Assemblywoman Grace Lee stated that most immigrants she spoke with had legitimate reasons for arrest. She once met with a woman with cancer who was undergoing specialized treatment but still faced deportation.

Trump has pledged to deport all undocumented individuals, while federal officials say criminal records are a priority. However, cases and data reviewed by The New York Times show that enforcement actions are targeting all undocumented immigrants, regardless of criminal history. Data indicates that over half of those arrested since January have no criminal record, only 45% have convictions or pending charges, and only 157 have been convicted of violent crimes.

Furthermore, detention times have significantly increased. According to a report by the New York City media outlet The CITY, immigrants spent an average of 29 hours in what the data calls “New York City detention cells” during May and June. A record 81 individuals were held for more than four days. Due to the increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants, New York City and surrounding areas are unable to accommodate the influx of arrestees, and federal authorities have transferred them to detention centers in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas. As of June 26, 800 of the 2,365 immigrants arrested in the New York area had been deported.