U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated a significant increase in arrests at airports across the country, marking a new phase in the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. These operations are targeting individuals whose visas have expired, including spouses of American citizens, individuals working in the tech industry, and others who have active applications or petitions to remain in the United States. The arrests are occurring at various points of entry and exit, raising concerns among immigration advocates and legal professionals.

This amplified enforcement is part of a broader strategy to more aggressively pursue deportations. Agents are reportedly conducting sweeps and questioning individuals with expired visas, even if they have pending cases with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The surge in airport activity suggests a shift in enforcement tactics, moving beyond traditional immigration checkpoints and focusing on individuals attempting to travel internationally or re-enter the country.

The administration’s stance emphasizes upholding immigration laws, while critics argue that these tactics create fear and disrupt families. The increased scrutiny at airports could impact individuals who are legally present in the U.S. but may have minor administrative issues with their immigration status, potentially leading to unexpected detentions and deportations. The Department of Homeland Security has not released specific numbers on the increase, but reports from legal aid organizations indicate a noticeable rise in such cases since early 2020.