ICE Arrests 735 in Houston: What It Means for Removal Proceedings
In May 2026, ICE arrested 735 people in the Houston area — and the agency says this is just a normal month. With 1,711 criminal convictions among those arrested, the operation is one of the largest single-month enforcement actions reported in Southeast Texas. If you live in the region, understanding your rights during an ICE arrest could make the difference between staying in the US and being deported.
735 Arrested in Houston in a Single Month
In May 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 735 people in the Houston area. Together, those individuals had 1,711 criminal convictions on record. ICE says about 1,182 of those convictions — roughly 70% — were for violent crimes or offenses that put public safety at risk. The agency released the numbers on June 22, 2026, saying this is not unusual. According to ICE, these figures reflect what happens every single month in the Houston region.
Among those arrested were 25 people identified as members or associates of transnational and prison gangs, including MS-13, 18th Street, and Tango Blast. The criminal convictions listed by ICE include 5 homicides, 38 sex offenses, 495 DWI (driving while intoxicated) convictions, 224 assault and battery convictions, and 11 drug trafficking convictions. ICE's Houston field office covers 58 counties across Southeast Texas, from Beaumont to Corpus Christi.
Deportation Defense Checklist — Free
Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
ICE acting Field Office Director Gabriel Martinez said the agency released the data to show the public who is being targeted. He said these are not economic migrants but people with serious criminal records. Immigration lawyers and advocates, however, remind immigrants that an arrest is not the same as a conviction — and that everyone in removal proceedings (the official legal process to deport someone, also called deportation proceedings) has the right to appear before an immigration judge.
What This Means If You or Someone You Know Is Detained
If ICE arrests you, removal proceedings may begin quickly. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status without an attorney present. If you are placed in removal proceedings, deadlines matter: you have 30 days to appeal an order of removal, and 90 days to file a Motion to Reopen your case if new evidence or legal arguments exist. Missing these deadlines can end your options in court.
What to Do
- Know your rights. If ICE stops or arrests you, you have the right to stay silent. Do not sign any documents before speaking with an immigration lawyer.
- Contact a lawyer immediately. Removal proceedings move fast. An immigration lawyer can help you understand your options, including filing for a stay of deportation (a legal pause on your removal) using Form I-246 (the application to delay deportation), which currently costs $155.
- Track your deadlines. You have 30 days to appeal an order of removal and 90 days to file a Motion to Reopen your case. Do not wait.
- Report tips safely. If you have information about criminal activity, ICE accepts anonymous tips at 866-347-2423. You are not required to give your name.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Deportation Defense”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Anyone placed in removal proceedings should understand that an ICE arrest does not automatically mean deportation — you have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge, and that hearing is your opportunity to present a defense. If you have a prior order of removal, act immediately: you have 30 days to file an appeal and 90 days to file a Motion to Reopen, and missing either deadline is very difficult to fix later. Do not try to navigate this alone — consult a licensed immigration attorney before your first court date.
Frequently Asked Questions
If ICE arrests me, do I have to answer their questions?
No. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the US, or your immigration status. Lawyers strongly recommend staying silent and asking to speak with an attorney before saying anything.
What is a removal proceeding and how does it start?
A removal proceeding (also called deportation proceeding) is the official legal process where an immigration judge decides if you must leave the US. It usually starts after ICE arrests you and files paperwork called a Notice to Appear (NTA). You will receive a date to appear in immigration court.
How long do I have to appeal if a judge orders my deportation?
You have 30 days from the date of the removal order to file an appeal. If you miss this deadline, your options become very limited. If new evidence or legal arguments exist, you may also file a Motion to Reopen your case within 90 days of the order.
Can I stop my deportation while I wait for my case to be reviewed?
You may be able to apply for a stay of deportation — a legal pause on your removal — by filing Form I-246 (the application to delay deportation). The filing fee is $155. A stay is not guaranteed, but it can give you more time to work with a lawyer on your case.