In 2025, U.S. immigration enforcement has taken a sharp turn, as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) ramped up arrests at routine immigration appointments. According to a VisaVerge article, daily arrests now exceed 1,800 — a stark rise from the 2023 average of just over 400. This spike stems from new Trump administration policies that prioritize arrests, set quotas for field offices, and expand expedited removal procedures nationwide. Under these changes, individuals unable to prove two years of U.S. presence may face immediate deportation without a court hearing.
The recently passed Laken Riley Act further mandates detention for certain immigration violations, intensifying fears within immigrant communities. As a result, many are skipping their check-ins, worried that a routine appointment could lead to detention or deportation. Legal experts and advocates warn these policies undermine due process and erode trust in the immigration system.
Originally reported by VisaVerge, May 2025.