Reports indicate a substantial increase in daily arrest targets for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration. Sources suggest the goal is to raise the number of daily arrests from hundreds to a range of 1,200 to 1,500 individuals. The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, characterized these targets as "quotas" and reported that each ICE field office was instructed to aim for 75 arrests per day, with management accountability for achieving these numbers.

While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the report's accuracy, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson clarified the terminology, referring to the targets as "goals." The spokesperson emphasized the importance of removing criminal aliens from the country, regardless of whether they are apprehended at the border or within the interior.

ICE agents and other federal law enforcement personnel at a pre-enforcement meeting in Chicago, January 26, 2025. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

An ICE official, also speaking anonymously, reportedly indicated that the agency already maintains an extensive list of criminal suspects, enabling agents to focus on public safety and national security threats while meeting the increased targets.

Last week, Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman rescinded a directive that restricted ICE from conducting immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and medical facilities. This decision, according to Huffman, aims to prevent criminals from using these locations as hiding places. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, defended the policy shift, arguing that ICE agents possess the necessary training and discretion to identify and apprehend public safety and national security threats.

ICE agents at a residence during an enforcement operation in Chicago, January 26, 2025. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Homan anticipates a steady increase in immigration-related arrests as the Trump administration's deportation plan progresses. He noted the current focus on public safety and national security threats but suggested that the scope of enforcement will broaden, leading to a higher number of arrests nationwide.

Homan highlighted the challenges posed by sanctuary cities, where ICE agents are often denied access to jails. This necessitates community-based enforcement operations, increasing the risk of collateral arrests of undocumented immigrants who may not be charged with violent offenses but are found associating with criminal individuals.

ICE agents during an enforcement operation in Chicago, January 26, 2025. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

ICE currently has approximately 5,500 officers nationwide dedicated to immigration enforcement. The Trump administration has also directed Homeland Security Investigations, which focuses on counterterrorism, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and child exploitation, to assist with immigration enforcement. Furthermore, Department of Justice law enforcement officials within the U.S. Marshals, DEA, ATF, and Federal Bureau of Prisons have been granted authority to investigate and apprehend undocumented immigrants.

Huffman emphasized the need to address the issue of violent criminals and gang members in American communities, attributing their presence to the previous administration's border policies. He views the mobilization of additional law enforcement resources as a crucial step in fulfilling President Trump's promise of mass deportations.