DHS Admits Deporting Dozens of DACA Recipients

California Senator Alex Padilla slams agency over deportations of undocumented immigrants protected under DACA program.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged it has deported 86 recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program from January 1 to November 19, 2025. Another 261 DACA recipients were detained during that time period. This has prompted outrage from Democratic lawmakers like California Senator Alex Padilla, who called on DHS to provide more information on the basis for these arrests and deportations.

Why it matters

DACA has provided temporary protection from deportation and work permits for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. The revelation that dozens have been deported despite this program raises concerns about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and the uncertainty facing DACA recipients.

The details

According to a letter from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported 86 DACA recipients and detained another 261 during the 11-month period. Noem claimed 241 of the detained individuals had "criminal histories," though she did not provide details on the allegations or convictions. Immigration arrests, deportations and detentions of people without criminal records have surged during President Trump's second term, with about 74% of those in detention having no criminal conviction.

  • From January 1 to November 19, 2025, DHS deported 86 DACA recipients and detained 261 others.
  • The DHS figures were released in response to a September 2025 letter from Senators Padilla, Durbin, and Kelly.

The players

Alex Padilla

A Democratic senator from California who has criticized the DHS over the deportations of DACA recipients.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who acknowledged the deportations and detentions of DACA recipients.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, whose administration has overseen a surge in immigration arrests, deportations and detentions of people without criminal records.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump Administration has not hesitated to arrest immigrants with no serious criminal convictions and falsely label them the 'worst of the worst.'”

— Alex Padilla, Dick Durbin, Mark Kelly, U.S. Senators (Statement)

What’s next

The senators called on DHS to provide more information on the basis for arresting and deporting DACA recipients. The future of the DACA program also remains uncertain, as it continues to face legal challenges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration, particularly the treatment of DACA recipients who were brought to the U.S. as children and have been shielded from deportation.