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A new immigration enforcement report reveals a significant increase in deportations, growing ICE arrests across the United States, and important legal considerations for immigrants facing removal under the Trump administration.
The Trump administration has significantly increased immigration enforcement throughout the United States, but its deportation efforts have yet to reach the ambitious targets established by the White House. According to an October 22, 2026, report from the Associated Press, approximately 660,000 immigrants were deported during the most recent fiscal year, falling short of the administration’s stated goal of 1 million deportations annually.
The findings, based on an analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, reveal more than just rising deportation numbers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests within the United States are increasing, voluntary departures have reached record levels, and immigration courts continue to experience substantial backlogs.
For immigrant families, longtime residents, and individuals facing immigration proceedings, these developments underscore the importance of understanding their legal rights and available immigration options.
At Spar & Bernstein, our immigration attorneys help individuals and families navigate complex immigration laws, defend against deportation, and explore potential pathways to remain legally in the United States.
How Many Immigrants Has Trump Deported in 2026?
According to the Migration Policy Institute report covered by the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security carried out approximately 980,000 deportations during the first 18 months of President Trump’s second administration.
The report identifies several significant immigration enforcement statistics:
- Approximately 660,000 immigrants were deported during the most recent fiscal year.
- Deportations increased approximately 26% compared with the annual average during the Biden administration from 2021 through 2024.
- Approximately 170,000 immigrants have chosen voluntary departure since January 2025.
- The proportion of deported individuals who were arrested inside the United States increased from 28% in 2025 to 39% by July 2026.
Although these numbers demonstrate increased immigration enforcement, deportations remain below the administration’s annual target of 1 million.
The report also notes that deportation figures remain below certain historical levels, including approximately 1.86 million deportations recorded in 2000.
These statistics reflect the administration’s intensified enforcement priorities while highlighting the practical and legal challenges involved in carrying out large numbers of deportations.
ICE Arrests Are Increasing Across the United States
One of the most significant findings concerns the growing number of immigrants arrested within the United States rather than immediately after crossing the border.
According to the report, approximately 28% of individuals deported in 2025 had been arrested inside the country. By July 2026, that percentage had increased to 39%.
This shift suggests that immigration enforcement is increasingly affecting individuals who may have lived in the United States for extended periods, including people with established families, employment histories, and community ties.
The report also found that most individuals deported had never been convicted of a crime.
This is an important distinction for immigrant communities. Immigration enforcement actions are not limited to individuals with criminal convictions, and people without criminal records may still face removal proceedings depending on their immigration circumstances.
For immigrants concerned about ICE enforcement, understanding their rights and seeking qualified legal guidance can be critical.
Why Is Trump Falling Short of His Deportation Target?
Despite increased congressional funding for immigration enforcement, the administration continues to face several obstacles in reaching its deportation goals.
One major challenge involves immigration court backlogs. Immigration judges must evaluate many removal cases, including claims involving asylum and other forms of immigration relief.
Another challenge involves the increasingly diverse countries of origin represented among immigrants in the United States. Coordinating deportations to different countries can create additional logistical and diplomatic complications.
These issues may slow the deportation process even as ICE increases arrests and detention operations.
However, immigrants should not interpret these administrative challenges as protection against removal. Every immigration case depends on individual circumstances, applicable law, and the availability of potential defenses.
Voluntary Departures Reach Record Levels Under Trump
Another important development is the dramatic increase in voluntary departures.
The Migration Policy Institute found that approximately 170,000 individuals had chosen voluntary departure since President Trump returned to office in January 2025.
Voluntary departure generally allows eligible individuals to leave the United States without receiving a formal removal order, provided they comply with the applicable legal requirements.
However, the decision can involve significant consequences.
According to the Associated Press, some immigration attorneys and advocates have expressed concern that immigrants are giving up their immigration court cases simply to leave ICE detention.
This raises important questions about whether individuals fully understand the legal options they may be abandoning.
Depending on the circumstances, an immigrant facing deportation may have potential claims involving asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or other immigration relief.
Choosing voluntary departure without properly evaluating those possibilities could mean giving up an opportunity to pursue a legal defense.
Furthermore, voluntary departure does not automatically guarantee that an individual will be permitted to return to the United States.
Before agreeing to leave the country, immigrants should consult an experienced immigration attorney who can evaluate their specific situation and explain the potential consequences.
Are Immigrants Without Criminal Records at Risk of Deportation?
Yes. Immigration law allows removal proceedings against certain individuals regardless of whether they have a criminal conviction.
The Migration Policy Institute analysis cited by the Associated Press found that most individuals deported during the period examined had never been convicted of a crime.
This finding highlights a critical issue for immigrants who believe that avoiding criminal activity automatically protects them against immigration enforcement.
Individuals may face deportation for reasons involving immigration status, alleged immigration violations, or other grounds established under federal immigration law.
Nevertheless, being placed in removal proceedings does not necessarily mean that deportation is inevitable.
Depending on their circumstances, immigrants may qualify for forms of relief that allow them to challenge removal or pursue lawful immigration status.
An experienced deportation defense attorney can review the allegations, examine available documentation, and determine whether potential defenses exist.
What Should You Do If You Are Facing Deportation in 2026?
With immigration enforcement increasing, individuals facing removal proceedings should take proactive steps to understand their legal situation.
If you receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court, are detained by ICE, or learn that removal proceedings have been initiated against you, obtaining legal advice as early as possible can make an important difference.
An immigration attorney may be able to help you understand the charges against you, determine whether you qualify for immigration relief, prepare supporting documentation, and represent you before the immigration court.
Depending on your circumstances, potential legal options may include asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, appropriate motions, appeals, or other forms of immigration relief.
Eligibility varies significantly, and not every option is available to every individual.
It is especially important not to miss immigration court hearings, ignore official immigration notices, or agree to voluntary departure without understanding the possible consequences.
