ICE arrests reached about 51,000 last month, the highest monthly total in the agency’s history, as the Trump administration expanded its nationwide immigration enforcement campaign.

Figures released by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reports from US media outlets showed that the agency made an average of about 1,645 arrests each day.

The July total exceeded the previous record of around 43,000 arrests reported in June. The figures mark two consecutive months of record enforcement activity.

Trump Administration Steps Up Enforcement

The increase follows President Donald Trump’s renewed push to expand immigration enforcement after returning to office.

The administration has instructed federal agencies to increase operations aimed at identifying and removing people who are living in the United States without legal immigration status.

The enforcement campaign has expanded across several parts of the country.

In Georgia, an intensified immigration operation resulted in 1,226 arrests involving people accused of violating immigration laws.

ICE also arrested more than 30 people at US airports during July as part of the wider enforcement campaign.

Deportations Also Increase

The rise in arrests comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports an increase in deportations.

DHS said in June that 356,389 people had been deported during the fiscal year up to that point.

The department has defended the enforcement campaign. Officials say the operations are needed to enforce immigration laws and remove people they consider threats to public safety.

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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said a large majority of Americans support efforts to deport people with criminal records who are living in the country illegally.

“By removing these criminals, we are making America safe again,” Mullin said.

Critics Raise Concerns

The expanded campaign has also faced criticism from immigrant rights groups and advocates.

Reports indicate that some people detained during recent operations had no criminal records. Some also held valid work authorisation or parole documents.

Immigrant advocates have raised concerns that the broader enforcement campaign could affect people who do not have criminal histories.

The issue has also sparked debate among supporters of the administration’s immigration policies.

Mike Howell, president of the Trump-aligned Oversight Project, said the arrest figures were still below his expectations.

He called for workplace enforcement to become a more important part of the administration’s strategy.

Immigration Policy Remains Political Flashpoint

The record number of arrests marks a major expansion of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement programme.

The latest figures are likely to intensify debate over immigration policy, deportations and the treatment of people living in the United States without permanent legal status.

Supporters argue that stronger enforcement is necessary to uphold immigration laws and improve public safety.

Critics say the broader approach risks affecting people who have no criminal record or who hold valid immigration documents.

The record July figures are expected to keep immigration enforcement at the centre of political debate in Washington.