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In this article
- The national picture
- Regional enforcement patterns
- Texas
- Florida
- Georgia
- California
- Urban versus rural enforcement
- Workplace versus home raids
- The role of local cooperation
- Community responses
- Understanding your local context
- Charting your course in the U.S.
- Frequently asked questions
- Is my area experiencing ICE raids?
- Which states have the most ICE enforcement activity?
- Why do some states have more ICE enforcement than others?
- What should I do if I live in a state with high ICE enforcement?
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Where are ICE raids happening across the US? What the data tells us
- 3 Min read
Communities are constantly wondering, “Where are ICE raids happening?” across the United States are asking. The answer is both simple and complex. The truth is, ICE raids are happening everywhere, in major cities and rural towns from the East Coast to the West Coast. Immigration enforcement actions are happening in every region of the country.
However, the intensity and frequency of raids vary by location, and understanding these patterns can help you understand the enforcement landscape in your area.
ICE maintains field offices throughout the country, and enforcement operations are coordinated from these offices. By looking at data about where arrests are concentrated, we can see where ICE enforcement is most active.
This blog will look at what the data tells us about enforcement patterns and see where ICE raids are most likely to happen.
The national picture
ICE enforcement actions are happening nationwide, but some areas see significantly more enforcement activity than others. ICE does not publish official data on raids by location, but news reporting and federal enforcement data show that raids and large enforcement operations are concentrated in a small number of states.
In 2025, Texas and Florida have recorded the highest overall levels of ICE enforcement activity, while California has been one of the most visible locations for ICE raids, drawing national attention due to the scale and frequency of reported operations.
According to the Deportation Data Project, between January 20 and June 26, 2025:
- Texas recorded 26,341 ICE arrests
- Florida recorded 12,982 arrests
While arrest totals don't directly measure raids, they help show where ICE is concentrating its enforcement resources.
Together, reporting and data indicate that ICE raids are most often reported in states with large metropolitan areas, active ICE field offices, and strong federal enforcement priorities.
Regional enforcement patterns
Texas
Texas has experienced some of the most extensive ICE enforcement activity in the country. ICE has conducted targeted operations in North Texas, including Dallas, Irving, Arlington, and Fort Worth, as well as in other major metro areas across the state. These operations have included coordinated arrests that resemble traditional raids.
Texas recorded more ICE arrests than any other state during the first half of 2025, reflecting the scale of enforcement activity occurring there.
Florida
Florida has also seen high levels of ICE enforcement activity. Reporting shows that ICE operations in Florida are supported by extensive cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies, which has contributed to frequent enforcement actions.
Axios reports that Florida has the largest number of agreements allowing local law enforcement agencies to assist ICE, a factor linked to increased enforcement operations, including raids.
Georgia
Georgia has been a consistent site of ICE enforcement activity, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area. News reports and ICE field office announcements show repeated enforcement operations in and around Atlanta.
According to Axios, Georgia is among the states with a high number of agreements between ICE and local law enforcement, which is associated with higher levels of enforcement activity.
California
The Los Angeles Times reported that Los Angeles and surrounding areas were the site of multiple high-profile enforcement operations, including coordinated raids conducted by ICE agents in public locations.
Although California recorded fewer total arrests (8,460) than Texas and Florida during the same period, it has remained a focal point of national attention due to the visibility and intensity of reported raids.
Interestingly, data from 2017 to 2018 shows that San Bernardino, CA, a county that shares a border with Los Angeles County, had the highest number of ICE arrests. This indicates that there has been an active pursuit of ICE raids outside of California.
Urban versus rural enforcement
Both urban and rural areas experience ICE raids. Urban areas with large immigrant populations tend to see more enforcement activity. However, rural areas with agricultural or industrial employers also experience raids.
ICE has conducted enforcement at farms, factories, and other rural workplaces.
Workplace versus home raids
The type of raid varies by location. Some areas see more workplace raids, where ICE targets businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers. Other areas see more home raids, where ICE targets specific individuals at their residences.
The mix depends on ICE's enforcement priorities and the types of violations they are investigating.
The role of local cooperation
In some areas, local law enforcement cooperates with ICE through programs like the 287(g) program. This cooperation can increase the number of ICE arrests in those areas. Communities that have not entered into such agreements may see different enforcement patterns.
Community responses
Different communities have responded to ICE enforcement in different ways. Some have established sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with ICE. Others have provided legal resources and support to those facing enforcement. These community responses can affect the enforcement landscape in a particular area.
Understanding your local context
Where are ICE raids happening in your area? The answer depends on several factors, such as:
- The size of the immigrant population
- The local enforcement priorities
- The level of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement
- The community's response to enforcement.
By understanding these factors, you can better understand the enforcement landscape in your region.
Charting your course in the U.S.
Understanding where ICE raids are happening is the first step in protecting yourself. By knowing the enforcement patterns in your area, you can take steps to stay safe. Get familiar with your rights, create a family safety plan, and stay informed about changes in enforcement.
Just as ancient navigators used their knowledge of geography and the stars to chart their course, understanding the geography of ICE enforcement can help you navigate your own path.
By staying informed about where enforcement is happening and what it means for your community, you can better prepare for the challenges ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Is my area experiencing ICE raids?
ICE raids are happening in every state. The intensity varies, but no area is completely immune to enforcement activity. When people ask, "Where are ICE raids happening?" the answer is nationwide, though Texas, Florida, and California have seen the highest levels of enforcement activity in 2025.
Which states have the most ICE enforcement activity?
Texas recorded the most ICE arrests in the first half of 2025, with 26,341, followed by Florida, with 12,982. These numbers reflect where ICE is concentrating its enforcement resources, though they don't capture every raid or operation.
Why do some states have more ICE enforcement than others?
States with large immigrant populations, active ICE field offices, and cooperation between local and federal law enforcement tend to see more enforcement. Florida has the largest number of agreements allowing local agencies to assist ICE, which contributes to higher enforcement levels.
What should I do if I live in a state with high ICE enforcement?
Know your rights, create a family safety plan, stay informed about changes in policy, and connect with community resources and legal support. Understanding enforcement patterns in your state helps you prepare and respond appropriately.
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