ICE arrests and removals both hit monthly records in July 2026.
Why it matters: The data suggest immigration enforcement is still accelerating under Trump, with implications for employers, immigrant communities and local law enforcement. The figures also use different measures - arrests, removals and detention book-ins - so the trend is broader than one headline number.
- AP reported ICE arrested 49,571 people in July 2026, based on government data obtained by the Deportation Data Project.
- The Guardian said nearly 34,000 people were removed from the U.S. in July, a separate monthly record.
- CBS News reported more than 46,000 ICE detention book-ins in July based on internal DHS figures.
- The Guardian said July was the first month in the second Trump administration when a majority of ICE arrestees - 51% - had no criminal convictions or charges.
Newly reported data show July 2026 was a record month for immigration enforcement under Trump. AP reported that ICE arrested 49,571 people in July 2026, the highest monthly total in the dataset it reviewed.
The records are not the same measure. Arrests refer to ICE enforcement actions, removals are people sent out of the country, and detention book-ins are admissions into detention. Using that distinction, The Guardian said nearly 34,000 people were removed from the United States in July, another monthly record. CBS News separately reported more than 46,000 detention book-ins in July, citing internal DHS figures.
AP said ICE has shifted away from large, high-profile raids and toward arrests tied to traffic stops and cooperation with state and local law enforcement. In the government data AP reviewed, state and local partners accounted for 6,500 arrests in July, or about 13% of the total.
The Guardian also said July was the first month in the second Trump administration when a majority of ICE arrestees - 51% - had no criminal convictions or charges. The underlying ICE dataset was obtained through FOIA litigation by the Deportation Data Project and covers enforcement actions through Aug. 6, 2026.
By the numbers
- 49,571 - ICE arrests in July 2026, according to AP's review of government data
- Nearly 34,000 - removals in July, The Guardian reported
- More than 46,000 - detention book-ins in July, CBS News reported
Yes, but: The figures track different enforcement measures, so they should not be treated as a single total.
What's next: The underlying ICE dataset covered enforcement actions through Aug. 6, 2026.