ICE Data Reveals Most Detained Have No Criminal Record

Introduction

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows that 71.7 percent of people held in immigration custody as of June 29, 2025, have no criminal convictions. This gap between rhetoric and reality raises questions about the true focus of enforcement efforts. This article analyzes the latest immigration raids criminal record figures and explains what they mean for individuals, families, and enforcement policy.

immigration raids criminal record: Key Statistics

As of June 29, 2025, ICE detained 57,861 people nationwide. Of those, 41,495 individuals—71.7 percent—had no criminal convictions. Within this group, 14,318 faced pending criminal charges and 27,177 were held solely for immigration violations such as overstay or unauthorized entry.

Only 16,366 detainees—28.3 percent—carried at least one criminal conviction. Among them, a small fraction had violent felony convictions. The majority had convictions for minor offenses like traffic violations, petty theft, or nonviolent immigration-related crimes.

ICE assigns every detainee a threat level from 1 (highest) to 3 (lowest). Yet 84 percent received no threat label. Just 7 percent earned a level 1 classification for serious crimes. Four percent fell into level 2 for nonviolent offenses, and 5 percent were level 3 for misdemeanors or other low‑level charges.

This data highlights a mismatch between enforcement rhetoric and practice. Authorities detain many low‑risk individuals who have neither convictions nor pending charges. The focus on noncriminal detainees raises questions about resource use and civil‑liberties protections.

ICE raids data analysis: Enforcement Quotas and Trends

In May 2025, ICE arrests rose sharply after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller ordered a jump to 3,000 arrests per day. TRAC data show this increased average daily arrests from about 650 in April to roughly 850 in May—a 30 percent jump. In June, arrests climbed again to about 1,088 per day, another 28 percent increase.

Miller’s quota reversed earlier limits that capped daily arrests at around 1,000. To meet the new target, ICE expanded interior raids at homes, worksites, courthouses, and community gathering spots. Agents detained many low‑risk individuals along with those with criminal histories. In the two weeks after the quota took effect, TRAC found the number of non-criminals processed daily rose from about 454 to 927.

This surge strained resources. Detainee populations swelled, detention centers reached capacity, and legal service providers struggled to respond. Critics argue the quota-driven approach led to broad sweeps of people with no convictions—echoing ICE’s own data that 71.7 percent of detainees lacked criminal records. Supporters claim higher numbers show effective enforcement, but the sharp rise in detaining noncriminals raises questions about priorities and civil‑liberties protections.

immigration enforcement figures: Civil vs. Criminal Detentions

Many detained migrants face only civil immigration violations, not criminal offenses. Civil detention allows ICE to hold someone without a conviction.

No criminal record immigration arrests: Human Impact

Detaining people without convictions disrupts families and communities.

• Children lose caregivers

• Jobs are lost

• Mental health suffers

• Fear spreads in communities

Practical Advice After an Immigration Raid

If ICE agents arrive at your home or workplace, take these clear, concrete steps to protect your rights and safety:

1. Stay Calm

   • Keep your hands where agents can see them.

   • Speak in a steady voice.

   • Do not shout, run, or make sudden moves that could be misread as a threat.

   • Remaining calm helps you think clearly and reduces the chance of escalation.

2. Ask to See a Warrant

   • Politely request to view a signed warrant before opening doors or letting agents inside.

   • A valid warrant will list your address or name and bear a judge’s signature.

   • If agents claim they have a warrant but do not show it, state that you will not allow entry until you see it.

   • Without a warrant, ICE generally cannot legally enter your private property (Fourth Amendment).

3. Do Not Consent to Searches

   • Clearly say, “I do not consent to a search.”

   • If agents continue without a warrant, note their names or badge numbers.

   • Consenting can waive your rights and allow agents to seize documents or devices.

   • You maintain stronger legal protections when you withhold consent.

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • Call an immigration lawyer or legal aid service as soon as possible.

   • If you cannot reach your attorney, call a trusted friend or community organization for help.

   • Share the agent’s business card or badge number with your attorney.

   • Legal counsel can advise you on your next steps, file motions, or appear on your behalf in court.

5. Inform Your Family or Trusted Contacts

   • Let relatives or close friends know where you are and what happened.

   • Provide your case or receipt number if available.

   • Ask them to gather your important documents: passport, I‑94, work authorization card.

   • Having someone aware of your situation can speed up legal support and ensure your well‑being.

ICE raids data analysis: Best Practices for Advocates

• Monitor ICE statistics.

• Track local raids by following the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC ICE).

• Use Know Your Rights materials from the ACLU.

immigration raids criminal record: Policy Recommendations

1. Prioritize High‑Risk Targets

   • Focus on confirmed violent offenders.

2. Limit Civil Detention

   • Use alternatives: supervised release, ankle monitors.

3. Increase Transparency

   • Publish arrest quotas and threat-level criteria.

4. Strengthen Oversight

   • Independent review of raids and detention decisions.

Conclusion

ICE data show most people caught in immigration raids criminal record sweeps have no convictions. Policymakers should tighten focus on dangerous offenders, protect civil liberties, and reduce costly detentions of low‑risk individuals. Clearer guidelines and transparency can restore trust and ensure resources target true threats.

Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm

For expert guidance on your immigration case, contact Maple Crest Immigration Law. Our attorneys provide personalized support, clear advice, and strong representation.