ICE Arrests Surge in Texas Amid Broader Enforcement Push

ICE enforcement operations in Texas and across the U.S. have stepped up significantly in recent months, with federal and state authorities making large numbers of arrests as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts — including people with criminal records and immigration violations. ICE data show tens of thousands of arrests nationwide under the current enforcement strategy, and a sizable share of those have occurred in Texas, where enforcement activity has been especially high. In fact, about one in four ICE arrests nationwide happened in Texas during a recent period, according to an analysis of public records, and daily ICE arrests in the state have increased compared with earlier years.

Texas also reports a long history of criminal-alien arrests by state law enforcement over many years — part of broader efforts to address public safety alongside federal immigration policy.

At the same time, independent data show that national ICE arrest figures include a range of cases, and a significant portion of those detained do not have prior criminal convictions in U.S. courts — meaning that not all arrests involve individuals convicted of violent crimes.

Public reaction to increased enforcement has been mixed, with some praising stronger action as a contribution to community safety and others raising concerns about due process, the treatment of nonviolent detainees, and community trust in law enforcement.