U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is holding more people in detention than at any point in its history, with population counts surpassing 65,000 detainees as of mid-November 2025. The figure represents a sharp increase from early-year levels and far exceeds previous annual averages, marking the most rapid escalation in federal immigration detention in over a decade.
Fastest Growth in Modern Records
ICE detention numbers rose from roughly 39,000 people in custody in December 2024 and January 2025 to between 61,000 and 66,000 by late summer and fall 2025. The agency’s detainee population grew by nearly 70 percent within months, outpacing both historical growth rates and existing facility capacities.
Comparison to Previous Years Shows Dramatic Spike
Data from the past several fiscal years shows a steady rise, but nothing comparable to 2025’s jump. Detention averages increased from 14,195 in FY 2021, to 22,129 in FY 2022, and 32,743 in FY 2023. By late 2024, counts stabilized near 39,000. The current year more than doubles pre-2024 levels and exceeds all previously recorded highs.
Majority of Detainees Have No Criminal Convictions
Recent ICE data shows that approximately 73.6 percent of those held in detention have no criminal record, marking a shift away from the agency’s earlier focus on individuals with criminal histories. Non-criminal detainees now make up the largest share of the detained population, a trend advocates cite as evidence of broad, indiscriminate enforcement.
Arrests Rising, Deportations Lagging
ICE conducted over 113,000 administrative arrests in FY 2024, and arrests have continued at a high pace into 2025. However, removals have not kept pace. Deportations fell from 276,122 in 2019 to just 81,547 in 2022, a widening gap that suggests longer detention times, increased case backlogs, and limited removal throughput.
Capacity Concerns and Human Impact
Advocacy organizations report overcrowding, deteriorating conditions, and insufficient resources as detention centers face the highest populations ever recorded. The surge in detainees without criminal histories has intensified concerns about the humanitarian and legal implications of prolonged civil detention.
December Outlook: No Signs of Slowing
Based on the year-long trajectory and November’s 65,000-plus count, December estimates suggest detention levels will remain at or near record highs, likely closing 2025 at double the population levels seen one year earlier. Analysts warn that without significant changes in policy or capacity, the trend is expected to continue into 2026.
The Humane Herald 