ICE Arrests Highlight Focus on Criminal Offenders

Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts target illegal immigrants with criminal histories

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a pair of handcuffs against a stark black background, creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the focus on criminal offenders in immigration enforcement.The Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants with criminal histories has intensified the debate over immigration enforcement and public safety.Bellevue Today

The Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts during this term have emphasized targeting illegal immigrants with criminal histories. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported approximately 379,000 arrests between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026, with the majority of those arrested having prior criminal charges or convictions.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, particularly the handling of ICE detainers, remain a point of debate among federal, state, and local authorities. The focus on criminal offenders has raised questions about the balance between public safety and immigration enforcement.

The details

Officials have stated that about 70 percent of ICE arrests involved individuals classified as criminal offenders, including more than 7,300 suspected gang members and 1,400 known or suspected terrorists. In December, DHS introduced a 'Worst of the Worst' searchable database with more than 30,800 entries involving individuals with criminal histories such as homicide, assault, rape, drug trafficking, crimes against children, and armed robbery.

  • Between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026, ICE reported approximately 379,000 arrests.
  • In December 2025, DHS introduced its 'Worst of the Worst' searchable database.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement.

Tricia McLaughlin

A former DHS public affairs official.

Todd Lyons

The acting ICE director.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“About 70 percent of ICE arrests involved individuals classified as criminal offenders.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Former DHS public affairs official

“Enforcement actions during that period included more than 7,300 suspected gang members and 1,400 known or suspected terrorists.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director

What’s next

The ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies, particularly the handling of ICE detainers, is expected to continue as the administration's term progresses.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's focus on targeting illegal immigrants with criminal histories has raised concerns about the balance between public safety and immigration enforcement, with the handling of ICE detainers being a central point of contention among federal, state, and local authorities.