The Expansion of Immigration Enforcement in the United States: What It Means For Immigrants and Families

U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has widely increased their presence in American communities.  Through changes in federal policy, executive priorities, and technological surveillance, the scope and reach of federal enforcement has gone far beyond traditional forms of border security.

Increased Funding

In early 2026, ICE had undergone a major expansion due to the Trump administration aiming to deport one million people annually by doubling its workforce, increasing detention capacity by tens of thousands, and heavily investing in local law enforcement partnerships. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” devoted around $170 billion to border security and immigration enforcement, making the sector grow larger and have more financial power than ever before.

To double its workforce agency has promoted $50,000 signing bonuses and offered student loan forgiveness.  To deploy quickly at lower cost, they have decreased the selection process for prospective agents. For example, Investigative Journalist Lauren Jadeed reported attending an ICE career expo and being hired after six minutes, without a thorough background check or paperwork.

Changed Profiles of Arrest

Due to the increase in funding, Trump rushes to detain even greater numbers of immigrants as part of a mass deportation push, with a goal of deporting at least one million people. Through their training, ICE agents are given a specific profile or attributes to look for when detaining immigrants, and since the Trump administration, that profile has significantly broadened and changed.

To determine who is being arrested, ICE uses an “at-large” approach, which essentially aims to detain as many people as possible, resulting in a 600% unprecedented deployment of federal law enforcement. These changes in arrest practices have led to a 2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in an ICE detention center on any given day.

With the expansion of “at-large” arrests, agents are conducting worksite raids in places like construction sites, American communities, farms, factories, and other businesses. Additionally, “re-arrest” policies at ICE check-ins and immigration courthouses are having ICE face legal challenges for re-detaining immigrants that were previously released, even if they were compliant at check-ins and have not committed any crimes. This system of fear that ICE has created causes social and mental distress among immigrants that are adults and children, along with fellow members of the community.

What this Means for Immigrants and Families

The expansion of immigration enforcement increases the importance of:

• Proactive legal consultations: Even for individuals that think they have no immediate options may be eligible for options of which they are unaware, including family-based petitions, humanitarian protections, waivers, or adjustment of A detailed review of immigration history, such as prior applications or encounters with immigration authorities, can help identify risks before they escalate.
• Understanding eligibility: Many people falsely believe that visa overstays, unlawful presence, or past removal orders permanently prohibit them from legal In truth, immigration law provides complex exceptions and waiver mechanisms that can pave a way towards legal status.
• Maintaining accurate documentation: Individuals should keep copies of immigration filings, receipts, approval notices, passports, I-94 records, and any correspondence from the government. Should an individual have an encounter with immigration authorities, documentation of lawful entry or continuous presence can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
• Responding to government notices: Notifications from agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the immigration courts administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) often contain strict deadlines. Missing a filing deadline or failing to appear in court can result in denial of benefits or removal orders.

How Our Firm Can Help

With the climate of heightened enforcement, professional legal planning is more important than ever. At Smith Knudson, we assist clients with:

• Removal defense: We represent clients in immigrant court, identifying all available defenses and relief options to protect your ability to remain in the United States.
• Asylum and Humanitarian Relief: We assist individuals seeking protection through asylum and other humanitarian pathways, carefully preparing applications and supporting
• Family-Based Immigration: We guide families through petitions, adjustment of status, and consular processing, addressing complications such as prior overstays and inadmissibility issues.
• Employment-Based Immigration & Compliance: We help employers secure work visas, maintain compliance, and proactively reduce enforcement risks.
• I-9 Audit Preparation and Defense: We advise businesses on internal audits and represent employers responding to government inspections and enforcement actions.

Contact Us

Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving. Experienced legal counsel can help you understand your rights, assess your risks, and move forward with confidence. If you have any other questions on how increasing enforcement could affect you, or any other questions about your case contact us today for a consultation.