ICE Under Trump: Increased Detentions and a Shift in Focus

Since President Trump took office in January 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased detentions as part of a broader effort to fulfill his campaign promise of mass deportations. This shift in strategy has prompted scrutiny and debate regarding the agency’s evolving role, and tactics.

Expansion of ICE and Recruitment Efforts

In the past year, ICE has doubled in size, reflecting a substantial investment in border and immigration enforcement. This expansion is directly linked to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated approximately $170 billion for border security and immigration enforcement, including funding for hiring additional deportation agents and personnel [2].

The agency has launched aggressive recruitment campaigns, described as a “wartime recruitment” drive, costing $100 million over the next year. These campaigns target specific demographics, including individuals interested in firearms, military culture, and patriotic events [4]. Tactics include “geofencing” to deliver recruitment ads to users’ phones near military bases, NASCAR races, college campuses, and gun shows. Recruitment materials emphasize a “sacred duty” to “defend the homeland” from “foreign invaders” [4].

A recent career expo in Arlington, Texas, drew applicants from diverse backgrounds, including a Border Patrol agent, a firefighter, and even individuals with personal connections to deportation [3]. The Department of Homeland Security’s recruitment imagery features Uncle Sam with the letters “ICE” or an eagle, urging citizens to “AMERICA NEEDS YOU” [3].

Changes Within ICE

NPR’s “The Sunday Story” examined the changes occurring within ICE under the Trump administration, featuring insights from individuals with decades of experience in the immigration system [1]. The report details how the agency is adapting to meet the President’s goals regarding increased detentions and deportations.

The increased focus on enforcement has led to a noticeable shift in the agency’s priorities and operational procedures. Details of these changes are available in the full Throughline episode [1].