ICE Removals 2026: What Enforcement Priorities Mean for You
ICE says it has removed or returned nearly 900,000 people from the United States since January 20, 2025. The agency reports that roughly 70% of people it arrests have criminal histories — but that still leaves hundreds of thousands of cases involving people without serious convictions. If you or someone you know is in removal proceedings, understanding how ICE sets its priorities right now could be critical.
ICE's Current Enforcement Posture
During the week ending June 12, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a new round of removals as part of its ongoing enforcement operations. ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) — the division inside ICE that carries out deportations — stated that its mission is to remove people it considers dangerous as quickly as possible after they receive due process in immigration court.
ICE Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles said the agency uses "every resource at its disposal," including removal flights conducted in partnership with the Department of War. Since January 20, 2025, the agency says it has removed or returned nearly 900,000 people. That is an unusually high number, and it signals that enforcement is operating at a very high pace across the country.
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Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
ICE states that approximately 70% of the people it arrests have criminal histories. That means about 30% do not. Immigration lawyers warn that even a minor past arrest — not a conviction — can appear in government databases and draw ICE's attention. If you are undocumented, have a visa overstay, or are in any stage of removal proceedings (the legal process where a judge decides whether you can stay in the US), this enforcement climate directly affects your risk level.
What Removal Proceedings Look Like in 2026
When ICE arrests someone, that person is typically placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. They have the right to a hearing and the right to hire an attorney — though the government does not provide one for free. During proceedings, a person may apply for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or voluntary departure (when you agree to leave the US on your own within a set period, up to 120 days, to avoid a formal deportation order on your record). Missing a court date almost always results in an automatic removal order issued in your absence.
What to Do
- Know your rights at the door: You do not have to open your door to ICE unless they show you a judicial warrant — a warrant signed by a judge, not just an ICE administrative warrant. Ask to see it through the door or a window.
- Do not miss immigration court dates: A missed hearing leads to an automatic removal order. If you cannot attend, lawyers recommend contacting an attorney immediately to file a motion to reschedule.
- Get legal help before ICE comes to you: If you know you have an open case, a prior order of removal, or a criminal record of any kind, consult an immigration attorney now. Lawyers can file motions to reopen a case within 90 days of a removal order, or appeal a removal order within 30 days.
- Keep documents ready: Have copies of any immigration paperwork, court notices, and identification in a safe, accessible place. Designate a trusted person who knows where these documents are.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Bond Hearing: How to Get Released”.
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With ICE operating at this pace, anyone with an unresolved immigration case — even a very old one — should treat it as urgent. A prior removal order that was never executed can be acted on at any time, and you have only 30 days to appeal a new removal order or 90 days to file a motion to reopen. If you have any criminal history, even an arrest without a conviction, get an attorney to assess how it affects your case before ICE does it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ICE only arrest people with serious criminal convictions?
No. ICE states that about 70% of people it arrests have criminal histories, but that means roughly 30% do not. ICE can arrest anyone who is in the country without legal status or who has violated the terms of their visa, regardless of criminal history.
What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing?
If you miss your hearing, the immigration judge will almost certainly issue a removal order in your absence. This is called an 'in absentia' order. You may be able to file a motion to reopen the case within 90 days, but you will need an attorney to help you show a valid reason for missing the hearing.
Can I appeal a removal order, and how long do I have?
Yes. You generally have 30 days from the date of the removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline makes it much harder to fight the order. Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible after receiving any removal order.
What is voluntary departure, and is it better than deportation?
Voluntary departure means you agree to leave the US on your own within a set period — up to 120 days — instead of being formally deported. It can be better because it does not leave a formal deportation order on your record, which makes it easier to apply for a visa or return to the US legally in the future. An attorney can help you decide if this option makes sense for your situation.