HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Over 4,400 ICE detentions ruled illegal by judges since October

Mar 24, 2026

Over 4,400 ICE detentions ruled illegal by judges since October

A Reuters investigation found that judges across the country have ruled more than 4,400 times since October that ICE has illegally detained immigrants. As ICE custody has swelled to 68,000 people this month (up 75% since Trump took office), immigrants have filed over 20,200 habeas corpus petitions claiming unconstitutional detention, with judges granting relief in at least 4,421 cases. The Trump administration has often failed to comply with court orders releasing detainees.

Sources

Related incidents