Map Shows Surge in ICE Detainee Transfers Across Northwest

Data reveals detainees being moved more often and flown farther within the U.S. and overseas

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new data visualization from OPB shows a significant increase in the number of ICE detainees being transferred between facilities in Oregon and Washington, with some individuals being flown on as many as six flights and moved thousands of miles across the country. Family members and immigration attorneys say these frequent transfers can disrupt court dates, hinder access to lawyers, and negatively impact detainees' health.

Why it matters

The surge in ICE transfers in the Northwest reflects a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement and detention under the current administration. These transfers raise concerns about due process, access to legal counsel, and the overall treatment of detainees as they are shuffled between facilities.

The details

According to data obtained by OPB through Freedom of Information Act requests, ICE arrests in the Portland area jumped 600% in the last three months of 2025. When people are detained, they are increasingly being transferred quickly and often between facilities, with some individuals being put on as many as six flights and flown thousands of miles around the country.

  • In the last three months of 2025, ICE arrests in the Portland area jumped 600%.
  • The data analyzed by OPB covers the past two years of transfers and deportations for people detained in ICE's Seattle Area of Responsibility, which includes Oregon and Washington.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal department that oversees ICE and has not responded to OPB's requests for comment on its transfer policies, arrest surges, or data releases.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The data visualized by OPB highlights the growing concerns around ICE's detention and transfer practices in the Northwest, which appear to be disrupting due process, access to legal counsel, and the overall well-being of detainees. This issue reflects broader debates around immigration enforcement and the treatment of undocumented individuals in the U.S.