Senators Demand Release of Hundreds of DACA Recipients from ICE Custody

Padilla and Durbin call for passage of Dream Act to provide permanent pathway to citizenship

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) are demanding the release of hundreds of DACA recipients who have been detained or deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently admitted that ICE has been detaining and deporting some DACA recipients, known as 'Dreamers', despite the program's protections against deportation.

Why it matters

The detention and deportation of DACA recipients by ICE raises concerns about the program's ability to effectively protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. Senators Padilla and Durbin are calling for the passage of the Dream Act to provide a permanent pathway to citizenship for these individuals.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, between January 1 and November 19, 2025, 261 DACA recipients have been apprehended by ICE, with 86 of them deported. Noem has stated that DACA is a 'temporary forbearance from removal' and that recipients have no 'right or entitlement to remain in the United States indefinitely'.

  • Between January 1 and November 19, 2025, 261 DACA recipients were apprehended by ICE, with 86 deported.

The players

Alex Padilla

U.S. Senator from California, demanding the release of detained DACA recipients and the passage of the Dream Act.

Dick Durbin

U.S. Senator from Illinois, demanding the release of detained DACA recipients and the passage of the Dream Act.

Kristi Noem

Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary, who admitted that ICE has been detaining and deporting some DACA recipients.

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What they’re saying

“DACA is a temporary forbearance from removal within the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security. It comes with no right or entitlement to remain in the United States indefinitely.”

— Kristi Noem, Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary (wspa.com)

What’s next

Senators Padilla and Durbin are calling for the release of the detained DACA recipients and the passage of the Dream Act to provide a permanent pathway to citizenship.

The takeaway

The detention and deportation of DACA recipients by ICE raises concerns about the program's ability to effectively protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. The senators' demands for the release of detained recipients and the passage of the Dream Act aim to address these concerns and provide a more secure future for the 'Dreamers'.