The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has surpassed 10,000 arrests in just five days at the end of June 2026, achieving a daily average of 2,000 detentions. This was set as a new operational standard by the White House, according to a report published by The New York Times on Wednesday. This rate is double the maximum pace recorded earlier this year.
Immigration attorney Wilfredo Allen III, interviewed on Friday by Tania Costa, expressed concern about how this impacts those with scheduled ICE appointments: "Absolutely [it complicates their situation]. And in Miami, it's even worse."
Allen explained that conditions in South Florida worsened due to wildfires that forced the evacuation of the Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade between June 20 and 23. Detainees were relocated to other facilities both within and outside Florida, and now the agency is working to restore that capacity: "I imagine they are trying to fill those beds again," the lawyer suggested.
Political Motivations Behind the Surge
Allen III believes there's a clear political motivation driving this escalation, linked to the upcoming election calendar. "There is an election in November. They know they are going to lose in November. So they are doing their utmost to detain as many people as possible," he asserted.
The pressure extends beyond street operations. The attorney pointed out that immigration courts are also operating under a forced acceleration logic, with judges mandated to resolve up to a hundred cases per day in massive hearings known as "Mega-Masters." "A hundred cases. It's madness," summarized Allen III. Additionally, the courts are functioning with only 600 of the 800 authorized judges, following dismissals ordered by the Trump administration.
Changes in ICE Leadership and Tactics
The change in leadership within ICE has also altered ground tactics. After the dismissal of Dan Bongino and Kristi Noem, new officials have opted for more discreet methods—such as traffic stops and presentation appointments—instead of large-scale raids that sparked protests. "It's all a strategy to detain. It's a very aggressive approach by this government, trying to detain and deport as many people as possible while they still have the power to do so," summarized Allen III.
Amid this scenario, the attorney highlighted a recent decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which mandates that no person can be held by ICE for over 90 days without receiving at least one bond hearing.
"Just yesterday (Thursday), there was a very important decision in the Fifth Circuit that, to my surprise, went in our favor," Allen III noted, describing the ruling as a sign that "the rulings are gradually turning in our favor."
Advice for Dealing with ICE Appointments
When asked what to do if ICE detains someone at an appointment, Allen was clear: always attend accompanied by a lawyer and have someone waiting outside. "If they don't come out, call an attorney to try to help," he advised. He stressed that his firm attends ICE offices "almost every day" with clients, and that this presence makes a decisive difference.
Arrests of Cuban migrants have surged by 463% between March 2025 and April 2026, with Miami accounting for 10% of the national total. Allen warned that ICE has even detained citizens and legal residents: "It's a horrible tragedy in this country."
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE's Recent Actions
Why has ICE increased arrests so significantly?
ICE has increased arrests as part of a new operational standard set by the White House, aiming to detain 2,000 individuals daily. This surge is also linked to political motivations ahead of the upcoming elections in November.
What changes have occurred in ICE's tactics under new leadership?
Under new leadership, ICE has shifted to more discreet methods such as traffic stops and presentation appointments, moving away from large-scale raids to avoid public protests.
What should individuals do if detained by ICE during an appointment?
It is advised to always attend ICE appointments with a lawyer and have someone waiting outside. If the individual does not come out, contact an attorney immediately for assistance.