ICE Sets New Records for Arrests and Deportations in Fiscal Year 2026
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported record-breaking numbers for fiscal year 2026, with significant increases in both arrests and deportations. The Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE conducted over 491,000 arrests and carried out 483,200 deportations. These figures represent a substantial rise compared to previous years, highlighting a period of intensified immigration enforcement.
The deportation total for FY2026 surpassed the previous agency high by 9%, reaching 483,200 removals. This number is notably higher than the 442,640 deportations recorded in FY2025. The agency also reported nearly 475,000 administrative arrests, which are arrests made for alleged civil immigration violations, distinct from arrests based on criminal charges.
FY2026 Arrest and Deportation Totals
The fiscal year 2026 saw unprecedented activity from ICE. The agency’s reported figures include over 491,000 arrests and 483,200 deportations, marking the highest totals in the agency’s history. These numbers cover the period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
The deportation figure of 483,200 is a 9% increase over the previous record set in FY2025. When compared to the combined deportations from FY2022 through FY2024, the FY2026 total is nearly equal to the three-year sum. The number of immigration arrests in FY2026 also significantly exceeded the combined total of fewer than 427,000 arrests from FY2022 through FY2024.
Comparison with Previous Years
| Measure | FY2026 | FY2025 | FY2022-FY2024 Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deportations | 483,200 | 442,640 | 486,000 |
| Immigration Arrests | More than 491,000 | Fewer than 427,000 | (Not directly comparable) |
The data indicates a clear upward trend in enforcement actions. The monthly arrest and removal numbers also remained high towards the end of the fiscal year. For instance, September 2026 saw over 48,000 arrests and 44,000 removals, with August 2026 reporting 50,925 arrests.
Understanding the Scope of Deportation Figures
It is important to note that the annual ICE figures represent only a portion of nationwide deportation activity. The total count includes actions taken by ICE, but broader government-wide figures may also include removals carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Historically, nationwide removal measures reached higher levels in the early 2000s.
The deportation total also combines different types of removals. An analysis of July and August 2026 indicated that formal removals constituted 63% of deportations during those months. The remaining deportations included voluntary departures and returns. This percentage may not be representative of the entire fiscal year.
Formal Removals vs. Other Departures
- Formal Removals: These are official deportations processed through legal channels.
- Voluntary Departures and Returns: These include individuals who agree to leave the country or are returned without formal removal proceedings.
Comparisons of deportation totals across different administrations can also be affected by how certain border expulsion policies, like Title 42, were classified. These distinctions can alter the way removal statistics are interpreted.
Arrestee Criminal Histories Not Detailed
The Department of Homeland Security’s announcement of record numbers does not provide a breakdown of the criminal histories of those arrested. A separate analysis of July 2026 found that more than half of the arrests that month involved individuals without any criminal convictions or pending charges. This specific monthly finding does not offer an annual overview of arrestees’ criminal backgrounds.
Another study examined deportations by ICE and CBP between January 2025 and July 2026. This analysis found that approximately 20% of the nearly 980,000 deportations involved individuals with prior criminal convictions. However, these figures cover different time periods and populations, and therefore do not provide a definitive criminal history count for the FY2026 arrests. Future agency releases are expected to offer more detailed breakdowns tied to the fiscal-year totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main achievements of ICE in fiscal year 2026?
In fiscal year 2026, ICE set new records by conducting over 491,000 arrests and carrying out 483,200 deportations.
How did the FY2026 deportation numbers compare to previous years?
The 483,200 deportations in FY2026 were 9% higher than the previous record of 442,640 in FY2025.
Does the deportation total include only formal removals?
No, the total includes formal removals as well as voluntary departures and returns, though formal removals made up a significant portion in recent months studied.
Is there information on the criminal history of those arrested by ICE in FY2026?
The initial announcement did not provide a breakdown of criminal histories for FY2026 arrestees, though some studies on specific months and periods suggest a portion of those arrested did not have criminal convictions.
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