ICE Data Dashboards Now Public: Use Enforcement Trends to Plan Your Legal Strategy

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has made its internal enforcement data dashboards publicly available for the first time. These dashboards, which were previously accessible only to government agencies and congressional committees, now allow the public to see real-time data on arrests, detention, removals, and more.

The dashboards cover both Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) activities, giving unprecedented transparency into ICE’s priorities and geographic operations.

You can view the dashboard here: https://www.ice.gov/statistics

Analysis: What the ICE Data Dashboard Reveals

The data is not just raw numbers — it’s a map of ICE’s shifting priorities. You can now:

• Track regional arrest trends — Know where enforcement is rising.

• See detention facility activity — Useful for families and attorneys.

• Monitor deportation volumes by country — Relevant for fear-based relief.

• Understand priority targets — Know who’s most at risk under current policy.

  
  

For example, recent data shows a spike in worksite enforcement and “collateral arrests” — where ICE arrests individuals not initially targeted during enforcement actions.

What’s especially notable is the state-by-state breakdown now available. Advocates in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia can confirm what many already suspected — aggressive enforcement tactics are more concentrated there. On the other hand, states like California and New York, while still enforcing immigration law, show higher rates of prosecutorial discretion or use of alternatives to detention. These trends should directly inform whether you request bond, seek PD, or wait to file.

This transparency signals a more data-driven and performance-monitored ICE — and smart immigrants and advocates can use that data to stay one step ahead.

What This Means for Immigrants

For non-citizens, especially those out of status or in process, this is both a warning and an opportunity:

• If you live in an area with rising arrests, you may need to prioritize status protection (TPS, asylum, motions to reopen).

• If you're undocumented but have no criminal record, data shows a lower enforcement priority — but not immunity.

• If you’re in removal proceedings, this data can help your attorney assess how aggressive local ICE officers are.

  
  

In short, your legal strategy should now include ICE enforcement trends, just like a good investor watches the market before making moves.

Shan Potts Law Offices' Perspective

At Shan Potts Law Offices, we’ve always believed that smart immigration defense is proactive, not reactive.

These ICE dashboards allow us to:

• Better prepare clients for likely outcomes

• File Motions to Terminate or MTRs with context

• Choose jurisdictionally safer strategies

• Tailor post-conviction relief arguments to reflect ICE's evolving focus

  
  

If ICE is shifting resources to your region or category, we change how we build your case.

Next Steps for Immigrants and Advocates

1. Check the dashboard monthly if you're in removal proceedings or undocumented.

2. Consult with an attorney about whether trends affect your eligibility for relief.

3. File earlier if your area is seeing more arrests.

4. Use the data in court — ICE's own stats can support claims of unfair targeting or prosecutorial discretion.

Need help interpreting what this means for you?

Book a Strategy Session with Shan Potts Law Offices today.