DHS Rejects Reports of Softened ICE Arrests, Says ‘no One Is Off the Table’

On September 27, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a firm statement denying any shift in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest policies. Reports had circulated suggesting that ICE officers were instructed to stop arresting immigrants without criminal records. However, DHS publicly refuted these claims, emphasizing that anyone residing in the country unlawfully remains subject to arrest and deportation. The department’s stance is that “no one is off the table” for enforcement actions.

This denial came in response to a report indicating that ICE officers nationwide were told to halt arrests of individuals without criminal convictions or pending charges. This alleged internal guidance appeared to contradict the department’s public position. DHS explicitly called the report false, stating that enforcement would continue without exception for those in the country illegally.

Clarifying the Reported Pause on Arrests

The confusion surrounding ICE’s arrest policy seemed to stem from internal discussions about prioritizing enforcement efforts. While some accounts suggested a pause on arresting “non-criminals,” DHS maintained that such an exemption was never officially implemented. The department clarified that any new guidance was about prioritization, not a retreat from arresting individuals without criminal cases.

Reports indicated that the dispute might have originated from a “miscommunication” regarding internal discussions about focusing on the “worst first.” This meant that while arrests would continue, the focus might be on individuals deemed higher priority. The concept of “collaterals,” or individuals encountered during operations targeting someone else, was also mentioned. Accounts suggested that field offices were still instructed to proceed with arrests of unlawfully present individuals, even if they were encountered incidentally.

Reaffirmation of Enforcement Policy

President Donald Trump also weighed in on the matter, reportedly stating that anyone in the United States illegally remained “on the table” for arrest and deportation. This statement, as relayed by a senior Fox News correspondent, reinforced the idea that there had been no change in immigration enforcement policy. New guidance was reportedly sent to ICE field offices to reaffirm this position, potentially explaining the conflicting reports. The public explanation from DHS was clear and categorical: officers would continue making arrests, and no one in the country unlawfully was exempt.

ICE Operations Framed as Public Safety Surge

The DHS characterized ICE’s activities as a “nationwide public safety surge,” particularly in sanctuary cities. The stated aim of these operations was to target criminal immigrants, including those accused of murder, rape, child predation, and gang activity. The department also pointed to individuals released from jails by sanctuary politicians as a rationale for these operations. This framing emphasized the department’s focus on public safety and the apprehension of individuals deemed dangerous.

Rising Arrest Totals Through the Summer

Separate reports indicated a steady increase in ICE arrests throughout the summer months. Arrests reportedly rose from 43,000 in June to over 49,000 in July and nearly 51,000 in August. While these figures illustrate the scale of ICE operations, they do not fully resolve the disagreement regarding guidance for field officers concerning individuals without criminal records. The core of the dispute remained focused on enforcement priorities and internal guidance rather than a published arrest tally. The DHS also noted a rise in assaults on ICE personnel, citing a significant increase in such incidents compared to a previous period. As of September 27, 2026, the department’s stated enforcement position remained unchanged: anyone in the country illegally could be subject to arrest and deportation.

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