US immigration crackdown hits record high in 2026: 4.83 lakh deported, 4.91 lakh arrested
The agency’s deportation tally of 483,200 was also close to the approximately 486,000 removals recorded across those three fiscal years under former President Joe Biden
- Nov 14, 2026,
- Updated Nov 14, 2026 1:25 AM IST
The United States recorded its highest-ever annual immigration arrests and deportations in fiscal year 2026, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deporting 483,200 people and making more than 491,000 arrests, according to figures released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on November 12.
The deportation figure surpassed the previous record of 442,640 removals in fiscal year 2025 by 40,560, marking an increase of approximately 9.2%. Compared with the 271,480 deportations recorded in fiscal year 2024, the FY2026 total was nearly 78% higher.
The latest figures reflect an intensification of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. DHS said ICE recorded its highest annual totals for both arrests and deportations in the agency’s 23-year history.
ICE arrests cross 4.91 lakh in FY2026
ICE reported more than 491,000 arrests during fiscal year 2026, including nearly 475,000 administrative arrests. The total was significantly higher than the fewer than 427,000 arrests recorded across fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 combined, according to DHS.
The agency’s deportation tally of 483,200 was also close to the approximately 486,000 removals recorded across those three fiscal years under former President Joe Biden.
Monthly figures highlighted the acceleration in enforcement activity. ICE recorded 43,900 arrests in June 2026, followed by 50,208 in July and a record 50,925 in August. In September, the agency made more than 48,000 arrests and carried out approximately 44,000 removals.
DHS said September’s arrest figure was more than 300% above the average for the same month during the Biden administration.
ALSO READ: US Green Card lottery 2027: Are Indian applicants eligible? Latest update explained
Two Indian nationals among cases highlighted by DHS
The DHS release also identified two Indian nationals among individuals arrested by ICE during fiscal year 2026. The cases were cited as examples of enforcement against people facing serious criminal allegations.
Aman Kumar was arrested in Fresno, California, in May after being charged with felony hit-and-run causing death or injury. According to DHS, he allegedly injured a four-year-old boy in an accident in April and fled the scene.
Another Indian national, Rajinder Kumar, was arrested in April after being charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. DHS said a semi-truck and trailer he was driving jackknifed in Deschutes County, Oregon, causing a crash that killed a newlywed couple.
The United States recorded its highest-ever annual immigration arrests and deportations in fiscal year 2026, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deporting 483,200 people and making more than 491,000 arrests, according to figures released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on November 12.
The deportation figure surpassed the previous record of 442,640 removals in fiscal year 2025 by 40,560, marking an increase of approximately 9.2%. Compared with the 271,480 deportations recorded in fiscal year 2024, the FY2026 total was nearly 78% higher.
The latest figures reflect an intensification of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. DHS said ICE recorded its highest annual totals for both arrests and deportations in the agency’s 23-year history.
ICE arrests cross 4.91 lakh in FY2026
ICE reported more than 491,000 arrests during fiscal year 2026, including nearly 475,000 administrative arrests. The total was significantly higher than the fewer than 427,000 arrests recorded across fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 combined, according to DHS.
The agency’s deportation tally of 483,200 was also close to the approximately 486,000 removals recorded across those three fiscal years under former President Joe Biden.
Monthly figures highlighted the acceleration in enforcement activity. ICE recorded 43,900 arrests in June 2026, followed by 50,208 in July and a record 50,925 in August. In September, the agency made more than 48,000 arrests and carried out approximately 44,000 removals.
DHS said September’s arrest figure was more than 300% above the average for the same month during the Biden administration.
ALSO READ: US Green Card lottery 2027: Are Indian applicants eligible? Latest update explained
Two Indian nationals among cases highlighted by DHS
The DHS release also identified two Indian nationals among individuals arrested by ICE during fiscal year 2026. The cases were cited as examples of enforcement against people facing serious criminal allegations.
Aman Kumar was arrested in Fresno, California, in May after being charged with felony hit-and-run causing death or injury. According to DHS, he allegedly injured a four-year-old boy in an accident in April and fled the scene.
Another Indian national, Rajinder Kumar, was arrested in April after being charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. DHS said a semi-truck and trailer he was driving jackknifed in Deschutes County, Oregon, causing a crash that killed a newlywed couple.