ICE detention population drops 12% from January peak to 60,311
Apr 9, 2026

ICE detention numbers declined by approximately 12% from a record high of 73,400 in mid-January 2026 to 60,311 as of April 4, 2026, with the steepest reductions occurring among detainees without criminal records, which fell 21% during the same period. Daily ICE arrests also declined to approximately 1,040 from mid-February to early March, down from January peaks, while collateral apprehensions fell from over 25% to fewer than 20% of total arrests. Court-ordered releases increased significantly from 46 at the fiscal year's start to 1,005 by early March.
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