ICE arrests in Los Angeles area tripled in 2025, then fell sharply in early 2026 amid public pressure and policy shifts
ICE arrests in the greater Los Angeles area nearly tripled in 2025 to about 14,300, then fell sharply in early 2026 as public pressure, protests and custody incidents prompted shifts in enforcement and monthly drops.
- 2025 spike: Arrests rose from ~4,684 in 2024 to roughly 14,302–14,394 in 2025, per compilations and reporting linked to the Long Beach Post and an LAEDC economic report.
- 2026 decline: So far in 2026 more than 2,600 arrests were recorded in the LA area, with monthly totals dropping from >1,500 in January to 809 in February, per the regional report.
- Profile of arrestees: In 2025, 39% had no criminal convictions or pending charges; 46% had convictions and 15% had pending charges, with an average age of 41 and 52% born in Mexico (Long Beach Post).
- Contested data and accountability: DHS and ICE disputed parts of the compilations; independent researchers and policy centers have documented similar national trends (Brookings, CU Boulder).
Surge in 2025: what the numbers show
Public records gathered by the Deportation Data Project and local outlets show a large jump in ICE arrests across Los Angeles and six neighboring counties (Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo). Totals for 2025 climbed to roughly 14,302–14,394 for the full year, up from about 4,684 in 2024, according to reporting compiled by the Long Beach Post and related data releases.
Monthly spikes and midyear peak
The largest single-month spike occurred in June 2025, when nearly 2,500 people were arrested across Southern California. Arrests stayed elevated through midyear before easing in late 2025 and falling more sharply in early 2026 (Long Beach Post; LAEDC report).
Who was arrested: criminal history and demographics
New local data aligns with national reporting that ICE broadened enforcement beyond people with serious criminal convictions. In the LA area in 2025:
- 39% had no criminal convictions or pending charges at the time of arrest;
- 46% had convictions;
- 15% had pending charges;
- Average age: 41; 87% male; 52% born in Mexico (Long Beach Post).
Nationwide comparisons echo this shift: academic centers and news outlets reported that the share of ICE arrestees with criminal convictions fell in 2025 even as total arrests rose (CU Boulder; UC Berkeley).
Month-by-month trend and the 2026 decline
After peaking in mid-2025, ICE activity in the LA region eased, steadied, then dropped sharply in early 2026. Local counts show more than 1,500 arrests in January 2026 and 809 in February 2026, with a total exceeding 2,600 through the first weeks of 2026 (LAEDC report).
“ICE had ‘pulled back in general’ and was shifting toward ‘more intelligence, more data gathering to look for people who have removal orders,’ after public outcry over high-profile deaths and protests,” an immigration attorney told local reporters (quote cited in Long Beach Post).
Federal response and disputed data
DHS and ICE have pushed back on parts of the local compilations. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the agency focuses on “criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists” and indicated enforcement would continue. DHS also questioned the methods and review of the Deportation Data Project’s releases, saying the platform’s outputs “have not been reviewed, audited or given context” (Long Beach Post).
At the same time, independent researchers and policy centers documented national trends consistent with expanded community arrests and a falling share of arrestees with convictions. See analyses from Brookings and university reporting at CU Boulder.
Deaths, protests and accountability concerns
The surge prompted public protests and scrutiny after reports of deaths in ICE custody and fatal shootings by immigration agents in 2025–2026. Researchers and national coverage described incidents and community claims of aggressive tactics, including reports of forced entry during arrests. These events intensified calls for oversight and policy review (Brookings; American Immigration Council).
Economic and local government impact
Regional economic analyses documented broader local effects: detentions and deportations can remove workers from businesses, reduce consumer spending and disrupt services. A February 2026 report prepared for county economic development officials noted business interruptions, labor concerns and changes in local law enforcement activity amid protests (LAEDC report).
Implications for Los Angeles
Economic
Enforcement surges and sudden slowdowns affect labor markets, consumer demand and small businesses. The LAEDC study highlighted potential sector-specific labor shortages and company disruptions tied to elevated detentions.
Public safety and policing
Local leaders must weigh cooperation with federal authorities against the need to maintain community trust. Data showing a substantial share of arrestees without convictions complicates public-safety messaging and could affect reporting and community cooperation with police.
Legal, health and social services
Legal aid providers, clinics and schools face fluctuating demand. The 2025 spike increased the need for rapid legal support and social services; the 2026 pullback may shift case priorities and outreach strategies.
Reporting and data limits
Many local totals derive from the Deportation Data Project’s assembly of federal records and investigative reporting. DHS has questioned the project’s methods and urged caution about interpretation. Still, researchers and policy centers documented national patterns consistent with the local picture (Long Beach Post; LAEDC report; CU Boulder; UC Berkeley; Brookings; American Immigration Council).
Reporting for this article draws on federal records compiled by the Deportation Data Project, local investigations, an LAEDC economic analysis, and national research from academic and policy institutions. DHS and ICE were contacted for comment; DHS provided a statement defending its enforcement priorities and disputing aspects of the data compilation (Long Beach Post).
