ICE recorded its highest ever number of arrests and deportations in fiscal year 2026, according to new Department of Homeland Security data released Thursday. The agency made roughly 491,000 arrests and carried out 483,000 deportations from October 2025 to September 2026.
Historic ICE Arrests and Deportations
The deportation total topped the previous record of 442,640 set in fiscal year 2025, and arrests exceeded the combined totals of the three full fiscal years under former President Joe Biden.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the brave men and women of ICE, who just broke more historic records. Fiscal Year 2026 saw the highest number of ICE deportations and arrests for any year in ICE’s history, and September 2026 was the best September in ICE’s history in terms of arrests.”
Mullin added that ICE has been “unleashed” under President Trump’s leadership to target and remove illegal aliens, claiming the policy has saved American lives.
The figures come as Trump considers immigration negotiations with Democrats after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in last week’s midterm elections.
In a 60 Minutes interview aired Sunday, Trump said his recent deportation raids may have gone too far, saying, “I think it was too tough. I think ultimately that hurt me.”
Trump also said he would “love” to strike a deal with Democrats that includes legal status for non‑criminal illegal immigrants who are working and paying taxes, but later insisted, “There’s NO AMNESTY … My policy hasn’t changed.”
Mullin said Monday he is open to granting permanent legal status to DACA recipients but ruled out any amnesty agreement, stating, “We’re never going to allow amnesty to happen. If we want reform, Congress must decide on DACA and a path to legal permanent residency.”
