ICE arrests over 66,000 illegal immigrants during Trump's first 100 days in office — more than 65,000 removed

On Tuesday, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the federal agency has arrested more than 66,000 illegal immigrants during President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. Among those apprehended were thousands of gang members involved with Tren de Aragua and MS-13, and individuals convicted of serious crimes such as sex offenses and murder, according to an ICE press release.

This comes as the immigration agency has been tasked to carry out the Trump administration's mass deportation operations, a promise the president made on the campaign trail. In addition to the apprehension of 66,463 illegal immigrants, ICE removed 65,682 of them from the country. 75 percent of the arrests were "criminal illegal aliens," the agency said, noting that the department prioritized the "worst first."

Criminal records of the arrested illegal immigrants include convictions and/or charges for 9,639 assaults, 6,398 DWIs and DUIs, 1,479 weapon offenses, 1,329 sex offenses, and 498 murders, according to ICE. 2,288 of those apprehended were gang members involved with the foreign terrorist organizations, Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as well as other gangs such as 18th Street, said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons.

"The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends, and neighbors by removing public safety and national security threats from our communities," Lyons said in a press release. "During President Trump's first 100 days, ICE alone has arrested over 65,000 illegal aliens...We removed over 65,000 illegal aliens to countries across the world. We're just 100 days into this administration, and thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is using every tool at its disposal to enforce our country's immigration laws and protect our communities."

ICE credited its success at ramping up arrests and removals through partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies under the 287(g) Program, which allows these agencies to enforce certain aspects of US immigration law. According to the agency, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) directorate has 579 pending and signed agreements with police departments and sheriff's offices across the nation. Since January 20, ICE has received 444 new 287(g) agreements nationwide.

Earlier this month, a joint federal and local law enforcement operation dubbed "Operation Tidal Wave" resulted in the arrests of more than 800 illegal immigrants in Florida. 

Furthermore, ICE explained that more than 1,000 illegal immigrants were arrested during worksite enforcement operations as part of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which resulted in more than $1 million in fines against businesses that "exploit and hire illegal workers," the agency said.

Despite pushback from lawmakers in self-declared sanctuary jurisdictions, which are intended to provide a haven for illegal immigrants, ICE has been successful with its immigration enforcement mission. Border Czar Tom Homan said he would flood these areas with federal law enforcement officers, with or without the help of local leaders.

Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.