Immigration Enforcement Tactics Shift Across US, Sowing Fear in Communities

From 'smash and grab' arrests to increased check-in detentions, advocates report a trend toward less visible yet persistent immigration actions.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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While national attention has often focused on high-profile federal immigration operations, enforcement actions have continued quietly across the United States, adapting to scrutiny and evolving in subtle but significant ways. Advocates report a trend toward less visible, yet persistent, tactics impacting communities nationwide, including 'smash and grab' arrests, increased detentions at routine check-ins, and joint patrols between federal agents and local police.

Why it matters

These shifting enforcement tactics are creating a climate of fear in immigrant communities, leading to delays in medical care, avoidance of schools, and lasting emotional distress for families impacted by deportations. The changes also pose challenges for legal observers, protesters, and the media to document and respond to the activities.

The details

In Southern California, ICE tactics have shifted from prolonged operations in single locations to quicker, more mobile 'smash and grab' arrests that make it difficult for observers to document. Similar acceleration of arrests has been reported in San Diego. Beyond street-level actions, there's a growing trend of detentions at routine check-in locations with immigration authorities, with a surge in such reports in North Carolina. Concerns also extend to those using ankle monitors as an alternative to detention, with detentions occurring at offices managing these devices.

  • In late December, a dozen people were detained near a Home Depot in San Diego in approximately five minutes.
  • Since November, the organization Siembra NC has received 23 reports of individuals detained during required check-ins with immigration authorities in North Carolina.

The players

Adriana Jasso

An activist with the organization Unión del Barrio, which has noted a similar acceleration of arrests in San Diego.

Siembra NC

A North Carolina organization tracking immigration enforcement that has seen a surge in reports of individuals detained during required check-ins with immigration authorities.

Immigrant Defenders Law Center

An organization offering legal assistance and a resource hotline for those facing immigration issues.

Scrubs for Sanctuary Oregon

An organization providing 'grasp your rights' training to healthcare workers and patients to address fears and ensure access to care.

Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition

An organization emphasizing the profound sense of being 'hunted' experienced by vulnerable communities in Portland, Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These shifting immigration enforcement tactics are creating a climate of fear and disruption in communities across the United States, with lasting impacts on families and access to essential services. The evolving approaches pose challenges for legal observers, protesters, and the media to document and respond to the activities, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and support for vulnerable populations.