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Emigration and immigration

ICE Detentions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania Surge Under Trump

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The number of people detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania has increased significantly since the start of President Donald Trump's administration. As of July, the region's seven detention facilities were holding approximately 2,850 individuals suspected of immigration violations, a 68% increase from the 1,700 people detained across four facilities on the eve of Trump's inauguration. Meanwhile, the proportion of detainees ICE classifies as "non-criminal" has risen by more than 50% since mid-January.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania has increased by 68% since the start of President Trump's administration, from approximately 1,700 to 2,850 individuals.
  • The proportion of detainees ICE classifies as "non-criminal" has risen by more than 50% since mid-January, to approximately 66% of the total detained population.
  • The increase in non-criminal detainees accounts for the entire growth in the region's detained population, with 1,900 people classified as non-criminal as of July, a 135% increase from January.
  • The expansion of the number of facilities holding immigrants has also contributed to the increase in detentions, with the 1,000-bed Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark beginning to house migrants on May 1.
  • Recent polling has shown falling support for Trump's aggressive deportation agenda, with 55% of Americans surveyed saying the president has "gone too far" when it comes to deporting "immigrants living in the U.S. illegally."
  • The shift in detention policy has been criticized by advocates, who point to the impact of mandatory detention and bond policy on the mental health and representation of detainees.
  • Lawyers such as Brennan Gian-Grasso and Emma Tuohy have observed an increase in the number of clients in detention and the difficulty this poses for representation and defense.
  • Conditions at detention facilities such as Delaney Hall and the Moshannon Valley Processing Center have been criticized by detainees and advocates, with reports of inadequate medical care, food, and access to family and legal counsel.

Statistics:

  • 68% increase in people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania since the start of President Trump's administration (from 1,700 to 2,850 individuals).
  • 54% increase in proportion of detainees ICE classifies as "non-criminal" since mid-January (from 47% to 66%).
  • 135% increase in number of non-criminal detainees from January to July (from 800 individuals to 1,900 individuals).
  • 55% of Americans surveyed say Trump has "gone too far" when it comes to deporting "immigrants living in the U.S. illegally."
  • 30% of Americans want immigration decreased, down from 55% a year ago.

Sources:

  • "ICE data show surge in New Jersey and Pennsylvania detentions under Trump" by Joe Yerardi, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12
  • "Increase in detentions follows increase in arrests, facility openings" by Joe Yerardi, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12
  • "ICE releases data on detentions roughly every other week" by Joe Yerardi, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12
  • A CNN poll released last month showing 55% of Americans surveyed saying Trump has "gone too far" when it comes to deporting "immigrants living in the U.S. illegally."
  • A Gallup poll released last month showing 30% of Americans wanting immigration decreased, down from 55% a year ago.
  • A memo issued by the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties last year laying out abuse allegations against Moshannon Valley Processing Center.

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