ICE agents in Midwest jurisdiction recently arresting more who have no prior criminal convictions, charges
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump campaigned with a promise to deport large numbers of criminal offenders, and while U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained over 38,000 migrants with criminal records, updated data indicates a recent change in focus, with more arrests of individuals who have not been accused of any crimes.

During the initial four months of Trump’s second term, the Deportation Data Project reveals that ICE detained 4,775 individuals in the Chicago Area of Responsibility, which encompasses Illinois and five surrounding states.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Among those detained, 47% had previous criminal convictions, 35% were facing pending criminal charges, and just 18% of immigrant arrestees had neither previous charges nor convictions.

On May 21, White House officials imposed a new arrest quota nationwide, demanding that ICE conduct at least 3,000 arrests a day.

SEE MORE: Trump vowed to deport ‘worst of the worst’ — but ICE is also arresting non-criminals: data

From that point through June 11, ICE agents in the Midwest jurisdiction began arresting more people who have no prior criminal convictions or charges, the I-Team found.

During that time period, 1,147 people were arrested in the Chicago Area of Responsibility: 32% had prior criminal convictions, 32% also had pending criminal charges, and 36% had no prior criminal charges or convictions.

Since President Trump’s second term inauguration day, data show more than half, or 51%, of the people arrested by ICE are still in active court proceedings to determine whether they can be removed, while 47% of the cases have ended with people removed from the U.S., either deported or voluntarily.

And in that time, a Colombian man arrested in the Chicago Area of Responsibility reportedly died while in ICE custody, the data show.

Brandon Lee and his colleagues at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights say this is exactly what they have warned migrant communities about for months.

“I don’t think we were ever under the impression that he would run a targeted operation,” Lee told the I-Team. “It is a situation that shows a degree to which Trump is trying to cause that fear and create these harsh environments for people in Chicago and across the country.”

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, whose mother Ashley Griggs died in Chicago shooting, drafted No. 4 overall

2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State’s Carnell Tate Honors Late Mother Ashley Griggs, Secures No. 4 Pick

In a significant moment for both the athlete and his supporters, Carnell…
NYC teen near $100K goal to bring free swim lessons to hundreds of New York kids: 'Life-saving skill'

New York Teen Approaches $100K Target to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to Hundreds of Local Children, Highlighting a ‘Life-Saving Skill

A young swimming enthusiast is making a significant splash in the city.…
Rob and Michele Singer Reiner deaths: Son Jake speaks out about deaths of his parents for first time

Jake Reiner Breaks Silence on the Heartbreaking Loss of Parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner

LOS ANGELES — Jake Reiner, the eldest child of acclaimed filmmaker Rob…
California man accused of killing ex-wife and new boyfriend makes bold move in chilling  body-cam video

Chilling Body-Cam Footage Reveals California Man’s Shocking Move in Ex-Wife and Boyfriend Murder Case

Footage from a body camera reveals the subdued arrest of a 43-year-old…
Passport to Illinois Part 3: Touring Cantigny, Haymarket Martyrs Monument and more

Explore Illinois: Discover Cantigny Park, Haymarket Martyrs Monument & More on Your Ultimate Passport Adventure

CHICAGO — As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th…
Former North Carolina police officer accused of threatening mass shooting at New Orleans festival

Ex-North Carolina Police Officer Faces Allegations of Threatening Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

A former police officer from North Carolina was taken into custody late…
Biological male killer housed in Oregon women's prison wins high-dollar legal settlement in sex abuse suit

Transgender Inmate Secures Significant Legal Settlement in Oregon Women’s Prison Abuse Case

A convicted murderer who transitioned from male to female while incarcerated has…
St. Johns County man convicted of capital sexual battery, state attorney says

Breaking News: St. Johns County Man Found Guilty of Capital Sexual Battery – State Attorney Confirms

A 22-year-old man from St. Johns County has been found guilty of…
Lawmakers send letter demanding 'immediate action' on California's fuel crisis

Urgent Call to Action: Lawmakers Demand Swift Resolution to California’s Fuel Crisis

Bipartisan state lawmakers in California are pressing the state’s energy authorities to…
Spencer Pratt accuses Karen Bass’s crew of getting MAGA merch at White House

Spencer Pratt Alleges Karen Bass’s Team Acquired MAGA Merchandise at the White House

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently returned from Washington, D.C., with more…
Trump threatens to 'finish it up militarily' if Iran refuses to make a deal

Trump Warns of Military Action if Iran Talks Fail

On Thursday afternoon, President Trump announced his intention to resume military strikes…
Long Island cops unveil futuristic guns that could fire GPS darts during chases

Long Island Police Introduce High-Tech Guns Equipped with GPS Tracking Darts for Pursuit Operations

Sheriff’s deputies in Suffolk County are experimenting with innovative firearms designed to…