The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported a significant rise in the number of arrest requests, or detainers, issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City since January 20, 2025. The total number of detainers issued has reached 6,025, marking a more than 400 percent increase compared to the entire Biden Administration's total of 9,472.
Despite this increase, New York City has only honored a few of these requests. In non-sanctuary cities, law enforcement typically complies with such requests to transfer custody to ICE for detention and deportation.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation: “In just six months ICE has issued over 6,000 detainers in NYC alone—that's a more than 400 percent increase in the number of detainers lodged under Biden.” She criticized sanctuary policies and added: “When sanctuary politicians like Mayor Eric Adams ignore ICE detainers, they are protecting criminal illegal aliens at the expense of American citizens.”
ICE uses detainers as legal requests for state or local law enforcement to hold individuals until immigration authorities can take custody. These individuals often have prior deportation orders or criminal convictions.
The DHS highlighted an increase in assaults against ICE officers by 830 percent since President Trump took office. The department attributes this rise to anti-ICE rhetoric and policies from sanctuary cities.
DHS reiterated its commitment to public safety: "DHS reaffirms our commitment to the American people—it will not be deterred by partisan attacks or activist pressure."
