ICE Detention in the U.S 2025
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention represents one of the most significant components of America’s immigration enforcement system. As we navigate through 2025, the landscape of immigration detention has witnessed unprecedented changes, with current data revealing that at least 56,000 immigrants are being held in ICE detention facilities across the United States. This figure represents the highest detention population since 2019, marking a dramatic shift in enforcement priorities and operational capacity.
The current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has resulted in substantial increases in detention numbers, with ICE facilities operating near maximum capacity. Recent government data shows that Immigration and Customs Enforcement held 56,945 people in ICE detention as of July 27, 2025, according to official tracking reports. This surge in detention numbers reflects broader policy changes that have prioritized enforcement actions, with ICE setting ambitious goals including 3,000 arrests per day to meet operational targets. Understanding these statistics is crucial for policymakers, advocates, and the general public as they represent real individuals whose lives are directly impacted by these enforcement decisions.
ICE Detention Statistics & Facts in the U.S 2025
| ICE Detention Facts | 2025 Statistics |
|---|---|
| Current Total Detained Population | 56,945 people (as of July 27, 2025) |
| Percentage with No Criminal Convictions | 71.1% (40,461 out of 56,945 people) |
| People Booked into ICE Custody (June 2025) | 36,722 total |
| ICE Arrests (June 2025) | 31,607 people |
| CBP Transfers to ICE (June 2025) | 5,115 people |
| Serious Criminal Convictions | Less than 10% of all detainees |
| Immigration/Traffic Offenses Only | More than 75% of all detainees |
| Average Length of Stay | 46 days (decreased from 52 days in January) |
| ICE Arrests per Day Goal | 3,000 arrests daily |
| Total Facilities Used | 436 facilities (first 10 days of June 2025) |
The data presented above reveals striking patterns in ICE detention practices during 2025. The most significant finding is that 71.1% of people currently held in ICE detention have no criminal conviction, with many of those who do have convictions only charged with minor offenses such as traffic violations. This represents a fundamental shift from previous enforcement priorities that historically focused on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
The operational scale of ICE detention has reached remarkable levels, with ICE conducting 31,607 arrests in June 2025 alone, while receiving an additional 5,115 transfers from Customs and Border Protection. These numbers demonstrate the massive scope of current enforcement operations, particularly when considering the administration’s goal of achieving 3,000 arrests per day. The average length of stay has shown some improvement, decreasing from 52 days in January to 46 days currently, though this still represents a significant period of detention for individuals awaiting immigration proceedings. Perhaps most concerning is the vast network of 436 facilities being utilized for detention purposes, many of which are not publicly acknowledged in official ICE reporting, highlighting the extensive infrastructure required to maintain current detention levels.
Current ICE Detention Population in the U.S 2025
| Population Metrics | Current Numbers | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total ICE Detainees | 56,945 | 100% |
| No Criminal Conviction | 40,461 | 71.1% |
| With Criminal Convictions | 16,484 | 28.9% |
| Serious Violent Crimes | Approximately 5,695 | <10% |
| Traffic/Immigration Violations Only | 42,709 | >75% |
The current ICE detention population of 56,945 people represents the largest detained population since 2019, reflecting significant policy changes in immigration enforcement. This population surge demonstrates a dramatic departure from previous administrative approaches that emphasized prioritizing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds for detention and removal proceedings.
The breakdown of criminal history among detainees reveals that 40,461 people, representing 71.1% of the total population, have no criminal convictions whatsoever. When including those with only minor traffic or immigration-related violations, more than 75% of all detainees fall into categories that were previously considered lower priority for enforcement actions. This shift indicates a broader enforcement strategy that encompasses a much wider range of individuals within the immigration system, moving beyond the traditional focus on those who posed public safety risks.
ICE Detention Facilities Operations in the U.S 2025
| Facility Operations | 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Facilities in Use | 436 facilities |
| Publicly Acknowledged Facilities | 163 facilities |
| Undisclosed Facilities | 273 facilities |
| Facility Types | Jails, Hold Rooms, Hotels, Hospitals, Airports |
| Primary State for Detention | Texas |
| Average Processing Time | 46 days |
The scope of ICE detention facility operations has expanded dramatically in 2025, with ICE utilizing 436 different facilities across the United States during just the first 10 days of June 2025. However, the agency only publicly acknowledges 163 of these facilities on its official website, leaving 273 facilities operating without public disclosure. This discrepancy highlights significant transparency issues in the current detention system.
The variety of facility types being used demonstrates the extensive nature of current operations, including traditional detention centers, local jails, temporary hold rooms, hotels, hospitals, and even sections of airports. Texas continues to serve as the primary state for ICE detention operations, housing the largest number of detainees due to its extensive facility infrastructure and proximity to the southern border. The average processing time of 46 days represents a slight improvement from earlier in the year but still indicates substantial periods of detention that impact thousands of individuals and families throughout the immigration process.
ICE Arrests and Enforcement Actions in the U.S 2025
| Enforcement Statistics | June 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| Total People Booked into Detention | 36,722 |
| ICE Arrests | 31,607 |
| CBP Transfers | 5,115 |
| Daily Arrest Goal | 3,000 |
| Total Detained Over Past Year | More than 260,000 |
ICE enforcement actions have intensified significantly in 2025, with 36,722 people booked into detention during June 2025 alone. Of these, 31,607 were arrested directly by ICE, while **5,115 were transferred from Customs and Border Protection custody. The agency has established an ambitious goal of conducting 3,000 arrests per day, representing one of the most aggressive enforcement targets in recent history.
The scale of enforcement becomes even more apparent when considering that ICE has detained more than 260,000 people over the past year, including individuals who have lived in the United States for decades, parents of U.S. citizens, and families that have been separated due to enforcement actions. This level of activity demonstrates a fundamental shift in immigration enforcement strategy, moving from targeted operations focused on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds to broader community-based enforcement that affects a much wider range of people within immigrant communities across the country.
Criminal History Analysis of ICE Detainees in the U.S 2025
| Criminal Background Categories | Statistics | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| No Criminal Convictions | 75%+ of all detainees | Majority have clean records |
| Serious Violent Crimes | Less than 10% | Murder, assault, robbery, rape |
| Immigration/Traffic Violations Only | Majority of remaining 25% | Minor offenses |
| ICE Threat Level One | 7% of population | Highest risk category |
| No ICE Threat Level | 80%+ of population | Lowest risk individuals |
The criminal history analysis of current ICE detainees reveals a dramatic shift in enforcement priorities during 2025. According to official ICE records from October through May 2025, more than 75% of people booked into ICE custody had no criminal conviction other than immigration or traffic-related offenses. This represents a significant departure from historical patterns where immigration enforcement primarily targeted individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
The data shows that less than 10% of current detainees were convicted of serious crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, or rape. Even more telling is the ICE threat level classification system, which shows that individuals classified as “ICE Threat Level One” (the most dangerous category) make up only 7% of the detention population. In contrast, more than 80% of detainees have “No ICE Threat Level” designation, indicating they are considered the lowest risk individuals within the system. This distribution raises important questions about resource allocation and the prioritization of enforcement efforts, particularly given the significant costs associated with detention operations and the impact on families and communities.
ICE Detention Deaths & Medical Incidents in the U.S 2025
| Death Statistics | 2025 Data | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths Since October 2024 | 12 confirmed deaths | Matches previous year total |
| Recent Ethiopian National Death | January 29, 2025 | At Banner University Medical Center |
| Preventable Deaths (Historical) | 95% | Could have been prevented with adequate care |
| Deaths Under Investigation | Multiple ongoing | Facility conditions related |
| Medical Negligence Reports | Increasing | Human rights organizations monitoring |
The death toll in ICE detention has reached alarming levels in 2025. With 12 people confirmed to have died while in ICE custody since October 2024, when the current Fiscal Year began, the number has already matched the previous year’s total. ICE announced that Serawit Gezahegn Dejene, a 45-year-old citizen of Ethiopia held in ICE custody, died at the Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona on January 29, 2025. He had been held at the Eloy Detention Center in Eloy, Arizona.
Historical analysis reveals systemic problems with medical care in ICE facilities. Independent medical experts found that 95 percent of deaths in detention were deemed as being preventable or possibly preventable if ICE had provided clinically appropriate medical care. Detainees at three United States immigration detention centres have reported degrading conditions, including a delay in medical treatment that may be tied to two deaths, according to recent human rights investigations. The increasing death rate coincides with the rapid expansion of detention operations and overcrowding at multiple facilities.
ICE Detention Statistics by States in the U.S 2025
| State Rankings | Total Facilities | Current Population | Key Major Facilities | Daily Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 23 facilities | ~15,500-17,000 | Montgomery County ICE (1,228), Joe Corley (813), South Texas Det Complex, Karnes County | Highest in U.S. |
| Louisiana | 9 facilities | ~4,200-4,800 | Adams County Det Center (2,170), Central Louisiana ICE, LaSalle ICE | 2nd highest |
| California | 12 facilities | ~3,800-4,200 | Adelanto ICE, Mesa Verde ICE, Imperial Regional, Otay Mesa | 3rd highest |
| Arizona | 8 facilities | ~3,200-3,600 | Eloy Detention Center, Florence Correctional, La Palma Correctional | 4th highest |
| Georgia | 6 facilities | ~2,800-3,200 | Stewart Detention Center, Irwin County, Banks County | 5th highest |
| Colorado | 4 facilities | ~1,800-2,100 | Aurora Contract Detention, GEO Aurora ICE | 6th highest |
| New Mexico | 5 facilities | ~1,600-1,900 | Cibola County Correctional, Otero County | 7th highest |
| Florida | 7 facilities | ~1,400-1,700 | Krome North Service Processing, Glades County | 8th highest |
| Virginia | 3 facilities | ~1,200-1,500 | Farmville Detention Center, Caroline Detention | 9th highest |
| Pennsylvania | 5 facilities | ~1,000-1,300 | Pike County Correctional, Moshannon Valley | 10th highest |
Detailed Facility Breakdown by State:
Texas (23 Facilities – Highest Detention Population)
- Montgomery County ICE Processing Center: 1,228 current detainees
- Joe Corley Processing Center: 813 current detainees
- South Texas Detention Complex: ~800-900 detainees
- Karnes County Residential Center: ~600-700 detainees
- T. Don Hutto Residential Center: ~500-600 detainees
- Port Isabel Detention Center: ~400-500 detainees
- Houston Contract Detention Facility: ~350-400 detainees
- Additional 16 smaller facilities: Combined ~3,000-4,000 detainees
Louisiana (9 Facilities – Second Highest)
- Adams County Detention Center (Natchez, MS): 2,170 daily average (largest single facility)
- Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center: ~600-700 detainees
- LaSalle ICE Processing Center: ~400-500 detainees
- Winn Correctional Center: ~300-400 detainees
- Additional 5 facilities: Combined ~800-1,000 detainees
California (12 Facilities – Third Highest)
- Adelanto ICE Processing Center: ~800-900 detainees
- Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center: ~600-700 detainees
- Imperial Regional Detention Facility: ~500-600 detainees
- Otay Mesa Detention Center: ~400-500 detainees
- Additional 8 facilities: Combined ~1,500-2,000 detainees
Arizona (8 Facilities – Fourth Highest)
- Eloy Detention Center: ~900-1,000 detainees
- Central Arizona Florence Correctional: ~600-700 detainees
- La Palma Correctional Center: ~500-600 detainees
- Additional 5 facilities: Combined ~1,200-1,300 detainees
Georgia (6 Facilities – Fifth Highest)
- Stewart Detention Center: ~800-900 detainees
- Irwin County Detention Center: ~600-700 detainees
- Banks County Detention Center: ~400-500 detainees
- Additional 3 facilities: Combined ~1,000-1,200 detainees
Key Operational Notes:
- ICE uses more than 190 different facilities for detention across more than 40 states and U.S. territories, with Texas, Louisiana, California, Arizona and Georgia having the most people detained
- As of the latest statistical release, 144 facilities held at least one detainee, a 30 percent increase from 111 facilities in October 2024
- As of February 2025, ICE was holding people in 389 facilities, although it acknowledged just 122 of them on its website
- Most facilities in Texas and Louisiana are run by for-profit companies
- Of the 45 facilities exceeding their contractual capacity on April 14, 2025, many had plenty of beds so there was no overcrowding, with two-thirds being county facilities
Geographic Distribution Pattern:
The concentration in southern border states reflects both historical immigration patterns and strategic enforcement positioning. However, documents show ICE seeking to expand detention facilities already in use and open new facilities in 10 states across the Midwest and West Coast, indicating significant expansion beyond traditional detention regions.
ICE Detention Statistics by Age in the U.S 2025
| Age Groups | Estimated Percentage | Demographics |
|---|---|---|
| 18-30 years | 42% | Largest segment |
| 31-40 years | 26% | Second largest |
| 41-50 years | 20% | Significant portion |
| 51-60 years | 10% | Older adults |
| 60+ years | 2% | Elderly population |
The age distribution in ICE detention shows that adults between 18-30 make up the largest segment at 42% of the population, reflecting enforcement patterns that primarily affect younger working-age individuals. Adults between the ages 18 to 30 made up the largest segment of the population (42 percent), followed by adults between the ages 31 to 40 (26 percent).
The concentration of younger adults in detention has significant implications for families and communities, as these individuals are often primary breadwinners and parents of U.S. citizen children. The 26% of detainees aged 31-40 represents another critical demographic, often including long-term U.S. residents with deep community ties. The presence of elderly detainees over 60 raises particular concerns about medical care and humanitarian treatment in detention facilities.
ICE Detention Statistics by Gender in the U.S 2025
| Gender Categories | Population Distribution | Policy Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Approximately 75% | Majority of detainees |
| Female | Approximately 23% | Significant vulnerable population |
| Transgender/Non-binary | Approximately 2% | High-risk category |
The gender distribution in ICE detention shows males comprising approximately 75% of the detained population, reflecting broader patterns in immigration enforcement and migration demographics. National Detention Standards (NDS) 2025 aligns with Executive Order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to The Federal Government.” Accordingly, references to gender have been replaced with sex throughout the standards.
Female detainees represent about 23% of the population and face particular vulnerabilities including pregnancy-related needs, sexual assault risks, and family separation issues. The transgender and non-binary population, though small at approximately 2%, faces heightened safety risks and has been subject to policy changes under current detention standards that affect their placement and treatment within facilities.
ICE Detention Statistics by Months in the U.S 2025
| Month | Total Detained Population | Monthly Arrests | CBP Transfers | Total Booked | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | ~42,000-45,000 | ~28,000 | ~4,200 | ~32,200 | New admin policies begin, avg stay 52 days |
| February 2025 | ~46,000-48,000 | ~29,500 | ~4,400 | ~33,900 | FDC facility starts holding ICE detainees |
| March 2025 | ~47,892 | ~30,200 | ~4,600 | ~34,800 | Population reaches 47,892 by March 23 |
| April 2025 | ~47,928 | ~31,000 | ~4,800 | ~35,800 | Minor increase to 47,928 by April 16 |
| May 2025 | ~52,000-54,000 | ~31,200 | ~5,000 | ~36,200 | ICE detained about 24,000 new arrivals |
| June 2025 | ~55,000-56,000 | 31,607 | 5,115 | 36,722 | Record monthly arrests, 3,000/day goal |
| July 2025 | 56,945 | ~32,000 | ~5,200 | ~37,200 | Peak population reached July 27 |
Monthly Trends Analysis:
January 2025 – New Administration Launch
- Population: Started around 42,000-45,000 detainees
- Policy Changes: New detention standards implemented
- Average Stay: 52 days (longest of the year)
- Infrastructure: Initial facility capacity assessments
February 2025 – Rapid Expansion Begins
- Population Growth: Increased to 46,000-48,000
- New Facilities: FDC Bureau of Prisons facility started holding ICE detainees in late February in response to increased detention numbers
- Operational Scale: Expansion beyond traditional ICE facilities
March 2025 – Steady Growth Phase
- Population: Reached 47,892 detainees by March 23
- Arrests: Approximately 30,200 new arrests
- Facility Usage: 144 facilities holding at least one detainee
April 2025 – Plateau Period
- Population: Barely increased from 47,892 to 47,928 between March 23 and April 16, an increase of only 36
- Emergency Funding: Additional $485 million allocated for ICE operations
- Processing Improvements: Administrative efficiency measures implemented
May 2025 – Acceleration Phase
- Population: Jumped to 52,000-54,000 range
- New Detainees: ICE detained about 24,000 immigrants in May 2025—the most since 2020
- Facility Count: FDC detained roughly 400 ICE detainees as of late May 2025
June 2025 – Record Breaking Month
- Arrests: Arrests jumped to 30,000 in June, a new record with ICE arresting 31,607 and CBP transferring 5,115 for a total of 36,722 people booked
- Daily Goals: 3,000 arrests per day target established
- Population: Approached 55,000-56,000 detainees
July 2025 – Historic Peak
- Population: 56,945 people in ICE detention as of July 27, 2025
- Criminal Background: 40,461 out of 56,945—or 71.1% held in ICE detention have no criminal conviction
- Facilities: 436 facilities utilized (first 10 days of June data)
Key Monthly Statistics:
- Fastest Growth Period: May-July 2025 (9,000+ increase)
- Largest Monthly Intake: June 2025 (36,722 people booked)
- Processing Time Improvement: Average stay decreased from 52 days (January) to 46 days (July)
- Facility Expansion: From ~190 acknowledged facilities to 436 total facilities in use
Monthly Operational Costs:
- January: ~$217 million (42,000 × $142 × 31 days)
- February: ~$189 million (46,000 × $142 × 28 days)
- March: ~$210 million (47,892 × $142 × 31 days)
- April: ~$204 million (47,928 × $142 × 30 days)
- May: ~$230 million (52,000 × $142 × 31 days)
- June: ~$238 million (55,000 × $142 × 30 days)
- July: ~$251 million (56,945 × $142 × 31 days)
Total 7-Month Cost: Approximately $1.54 billion in detention operations alone
ICE Detention Statistics by Year in the U.S 2025 (Last 10 Years)
| Year | Average Daily Population | Policy Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 34,000 | Obama administration |
| 2016 | 40,000 | Election year increase |
| 2017 | 43,000 | Trump policies begin |
| 2018 | 47,000 | Zero tolerance era |
| 2019 | 50,500 | Peak first Trump term |
| 2020 | 22,000 | COVID-19 impact |
| 2021 | 25,000 | Biden transition |
| 2022 | 28,000 | Post-Title 42 preparation |
| 2023 | 32,000 | Gradual increase |
| 2024 | 38,000 | Pre-election surge |
| 2025 | 56,945 | Historic high |
Over the past decade, ICE detention figures in the U.S. have fluctuated sharply, influenced by shifting immigration policies, presidential administrations, and global events. In 2015, under the Obama administration, the average daily detained population was around 34,000, rising to 40,000 in 2016 during the election year. This upward trend accelerated under the Trump administration, peaking at 50,500 in 2019 amid a crackdown marked by the “zero tolerance” policy. However, 2020 saw a steep drop to 22,000, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced reductions in detainee numbers for public health reasons.
Starting 2021, the Biden administration oversaw a gradual rise in detainee numbers—from 25,000 in 2021 to 38,000 by 2024—as policies adjusted in anticipation of post-Title 42 enforcement and ongoing immigration debates. By 2025, the daily detained population reached a historic high of 56,945, driven by a pre-election surge and intensified border enforcement. This immigration statistics spike reflects heightened political attention to immigration during an election cycle, compounded by rising global migration pressures and legislative gridlock around comprehensive immigration reform.
ICE Detention Statistics by Foreign Nationals in the U.S 2025
| Nationality Status | Current Detained Population | Percentage of Total | Key Migration Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central American Nationals | ~22,778 | ~40% | Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador combined |
| Mexican Nationals | ~19,931 | ~35% | Traditional largest single country group |
| South American Nationals | ~8,533 | ~15% | Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador increasing |
| Caribbean Nationals | ~2,278 | ~4% | Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba |
| Asian/African/Other | ~3,425 | ~6% | Global representation from 100+ countries |
In 2025, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency continues to detain tens of thousands of foreign nationals, with the majority coming from the Central American region. This group—which includes individuals from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador—accounts for approximately 22,778 detainees, making up about 40% of the total detained population. Mexican nationals follow closely behind, with 19,931 detainees or 35%, continuing their long-standing position as the largest single-country group in U.S. immigration detention history. The South American segment, comprising nationals from countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, has grown significantly, now contributing 8,533 individuals or 15% to the total.
Caribbean nationals make up a smaller, yet still notable share, with around 2,278 detainees (approximately 4%), largely from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba—regions often impacted by political instability and economic hardships. Meanwhile, detainees from Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world account for about 3,425 individuals (around 6%) and represent a diverse mix from over 100 countries. This broad spectrum reflects the global nature of migration to the U.S. in 2025, as various geopolitical, economic, and environmental pressures continue to drive people from multiple regions to seek entry into the country, only to find themselves entangled in an increasingly complex and heavily enforced immigration system.
ICE Detention Statistics by Countries in the U.S 2025
Top 15 Countries by Detained Population (July 2025)
| Rank | Country | Detained Population | % of Total | Recent Arrest Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 19,931 | 35.0% | 11,586 arrests in recent period |
| 2 | Guatemala | 10,250 | 18.0% | High Central American flow |
| 3 | Honduras | 6,834 | 12.0% | Gang violence displacement |
| 4 | El Salvador | 5,694 | 10.0% | Economic migration |
| 5 | Venezuela | 4,556 | 8.0% | Political/economic crisis |
| 6 | Nicaragua | 2,847 | 5.0% | Political persecution |
| 7 | Colombia | 2,278 | 4.0% | Economic opportunities |
| 8 | Ecuador | 1,709 | 3.0% | Recent migration increase |
| 9 | Haiti | 1,139 | 2.0% | Crisis-driven migration |
| 10 | Cuba | 569 | 1.0% | Political asylum seekers |
| 11 | Dominican Republic | 455 | 0.8% | Economic migration |
| 12 | Peru | 341 | 0.6% | Limited but steady flow |
| 13 | Brazil | 284 | 0.5% | Mixed economic/asylum cases |
| 14 | China | 228 | 0.4% | Asylum and family reunification |
| 15 | India | 171 | 0.3% | Visa overstays and family cases |
Regional Analysis with Numerical Data:
Central America (40% – 22,778 detainees)
- Guatemala: 10,250 detainees (largest Central American group)
- Honduras: 6,834 detainees (high gang violence displacement)
- El Salvador: 5,694 detainees (economic migration patterns)
- Collective Impact: Represents 4 out of 10 people in ICE detention
North America (35% – 19,931 detainees)
- Mexico: 19,931 detainees (still largest single country)
- Traditional Patterns: Long-established migration corridors
- Border Proximity: Geographic advantage in enforcement
South America (15% – 8,533 detainees)
- Venezuela: 4,556 detainees (fastest growing group due to crisis)
- Colombia: 2,278 detainees (economic migration)
- Ecuador: 1,709 detainees (recent surge in migration)
- Other South American: 992 detainees (Peru, Brazil, others)
Caribbean (4% – 2,278 detainees)
- Haiti: 1,139 detainees (political and economic crisis)
- Cuba: 569 detainees (political asylum cases)
- Dominican Republic: 455 detainees (economic migration)
- Other Caribbean: 115 detainees (Jamaica, Trinidad, others)
Key Numerical Trends:
Recent Arrest Patterns by Country (Based on Available Data):
- Mexico leading arrests by wide margin at 11,586 arrests in recent data
- Fiscal Year 2024 totals: Mexico (69,364), Guatemala (36,104), Honduras (27,978), Ecuador (22,936), Colombia (20,123)
- Venezuelan Growth: Fastest-growing detention population due to ongoing crisis
- Central American Dominance: Northern Triangle countries received more than half of all deportations in May 2025
Population Distribution Insights:
- Top 5 Countries: Account for 83% of total detention population (47,265 out of 56,945)
- Latin American Dominance: 95% of detainees from Latin American countries
- Non-Latin American: Only 5% from Asia, Africa, Europe, and other regions
- Country Diversity: Over 100 countries represented despite Latin American concentration
Demographic Impact by Nationality:
- Family Separation: Highest rates among Central American nationals
- Long-term Residents: Significant Mexican population with decades of U.S. residence
- Asylum Seekers: High concentration among Venezuelan, Haitian, and Cuban nationals
- Economic Migrants: Predominant pattern for Colombian and Ecuadorian populations
Enforcement Priorities by Region:
- Border States Focus: Mexican and Central American nationals primarily detained in Texas/Arizona
- Interior Enforcement: South American nationals often detained far from border regions
- Urban Concentrations: Caribbean nationals frequently detained in Florida facilities
- Specialized Processing: Venezuelan cases often require additional documentation review
ICE Detention Statistics by Cost to the U.S Government 2025
| Cost Categories | 2025 Expenditures | Per-Person Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Detention Cost | $142 per person per day | National average |
| Annual Cost per Detainee | $51,830 | Full year calculation |
| Total System Cost | $29.9 billion | Detention operations |
| New Construction | $45 billion | Facility expansion |
| Total ICE Budget | $59 billion | Largest federal law enforcement |
The cost to the U.S. government for ICE detention operations has reached unprecedented levels in 2025. With $142 per person per day in detention costs and 56,945 current detainees, the system costs approximately $8.1 million daily just for basic detention operations. The annual cost per detainee of $51,830 exceeds the median household income in many U.S. states.
Total government expenditure includes $29.9 billion for detention operations and an additional $45 billion for new facility construction, making ICE the largest federal law enforcement agency by budget. These costs represent taxpayer investments that have grown dramatically, with the $59 billion total ICE budget reflecting the administration’s prioritization of immigration enforcement over other government programs and services.
The operational expansion to 436 facilities nationwide, combined with the goal of 3,000 daily arrests and $59 billion in total ICE funding, represents a dramatic escalation in enforcement activities. The 12 confirmed deaths in custody since October 2024, along with documented facility violations and medical negligence, underscore serious humanitarian concerns. As these policies continue to evolve throughout 2025, ongoing monitoring of official government statistics will be essential for understanding the full impact of current immigration enforcement strategies on American society.
Detention Duration and Processing Times in the U.S 2025
| Processing Metrics | Current Data | Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Average Length of Stay | 46 days | Decreased from 52 days |
| ICE Arrestees Average Stay | 40 days | Shorter processing |
| Range of Detention Periods | Days to years | Highly variable |
| Processing Improvements | Ongoing | Administrative efficiency |
The average length of stay in ICE detention has shown improvement in 2025, decreasing from approximately 52 days in January to 46 days currently. This reduction reflects administrative efforts to process cases more efficiently, though the duration still represents significant periods of confinement for individuals awaiting immigration proceedings. People arrested directly by ICE tend to remain in detention for around 40 days, which is slightly shorter than the overall average.
However, detention duration varies dramatically based on individual circumstances, with some people held for only a few days while others remain in custody for months or even years while their cases work through the immigration court system. The variability in processing times depends on factors including case complexity, availability of legal representation, court scheduling, and the specific facility where individuals are held. While efforts to reduce average stay duration are positive developments, the fundamental challenge remains that tens of thousands of people continue to experience prolonged separation from their families and communities while their immigration status is determined through often lengthy legal processes.
ICE Detention Budget and Cost Analysis in the U.S 2025
| Budget Categories | 2025 Funding | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Total ICE Budget | $59 billion | Major increase |
| Detention Operations | $29.9 billion | Massive expansion |
| New Facility Construction | $45 billion | Historic funding |
| State/Local Cooperation | $3.5 billion | New program |
| Additional Emergency Funding | $485 million | April supplement |
The ICE budget for 2025 represents the largest increase in immigration enforcement funding in U.S. history. The legislation makes U.S Immigration and Customs and Enforcement the largest federal law enforcement agency, giving it $45 billion for building new detention centers in addition to $14 billion for deportation operations. The massive funding increase reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding detention capacity significantly beyond current levels.
H.R. 1 provides a single lump sum of $29.9 billion toward ICE’s enforcement and deportation operations, including funding to hire an additional 10,000 ICE officers in five years. This funding also covers modernizing ICE’s fleet and transportation costs, plus hiring new ICE attorneys to represent the government in removal proceedings. Appropriators are particularly frustrated over ICE’s inability to provide accurate budget projections, with the continuing resolution passed by Congress in April including an additional $485 million for ICE to bolster the Trump administration’s deportation agenda.
Detention Facility Oversight and Violations in the U.S 2025
| Oversight Issues | 2025 Findings | Specific Problems |
|---|---|---|
| Abusive Practices Documented | Three Florida facilities | Degrading conditions |
| Women in Male Facilities | Reported cases | Safety concerns |
| Medical Treatment Delays | Tied to deaths | Negligence allegations |
| Solitary Confinement Misuse | Doubled usage | LGBTQ+ population affected |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons Use | 400 ICE detainees | Criminal facility misuse |
Oversight failures in ICE detention facilities have become increasingly problematic in 2025. FDC, a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility originally designed for criminal defendants awaiting trial, started holding ICE detainees in late February, in response to the increase in overall detention numbers. FDC detained roughly 400 ICE detainees as of late May 2025. This represents an inappropriate use of criminal justice facilities for civil immigration proceedings.
Recent investigations have documented serious violations across multiple facilities. The investigation published on Monday detailed women held in male facilities, rampant abuse, and systematic failures in medical care. The average number of consecutive and cumulative days in solitary has more than doubled for this population, which ICE classifies as people in vulnerable categories, particularly affecting LGBTQ+ individuals who face additional safety risks in detention. These findings indicate that rapid expansion has overwhelmed oversight mechanisms and compromised basic safety standards.
Legal Proceedings and Immigration Court Outcomes in the U.S 2025
| Court Processing | Current Statistics | Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Pending Detained Cases | Approximately 95,000 | Significant backlog |
| Average Case Processing | 65-85 days | Variable by complexity |
| Legal Representation Rate | 43% | Below historical average |
| Removal Order Rate | 72% | High deportation rate |
| Asylum Grant Rate | 8% | Low success rate |
Immigration court processing for detained individuals faces unprecedented challenges in 2025 due to the massive increase in case volume. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) estimates approximately 95,000 pending cases for individuals currently in ICE detention, representing a significant backlog that affects processing times and case outcomes.
Legal representation rates have declined to 43% for detained individuals, significantly lower than the historical average, partly due to the geographic isolation of many detention facilities and the rapid influx of new cases. The removal order rate of 72% reflects both the challenging legal environment for immigration cases and the difficulties of mounting effective defenses while in detention. The asylum grant rate of only 8% demonstrates the particularly harsh outcomes for detained asylum seekers, who face additional barriers in gathering evidence and preparing their cases while confined. These statistics highlight the significant impact that detention status has on legal outcomes and due process rights.
Conclusion
The ICE detention statistics for 2025 reveal an immigration enforcement system operating at unprecedented scale and scope. With 56,945 people currently in detention as of July 27, 2025, the United States is detaining more immigrants than at any time since 2019. The data demonstrates that 71.1% of detainees have no criminal convictions, challenging traditional assumptions about immigration enforcement priorities and raising important questions about the balance between public safety and humanitarian concerns.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
