ICE Arrests of Cuban Citizens Rose 463 Percent
Federal enforcement operations targeting Cuban nationals surged alongside increased local police partnerships.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Immigration
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ICE arrest frequencies for Cuban citizens in the United States climbed from under 200 to over 1,000 monthly between late 2024 and early 2026. The agency shifted to using unmarked vehicles and expanded 287(g) agreements with local law enforcement to facilitate these enforcement actions.
Why it matters
The administration adopted these quieter, decentralized tactics following political criticism over high-profile armored vehicle raids conducted in 2025. This strategy aims to sustain removal operations, which currently remain at approximately 1,200 people per day across the nation.
Federal data shows a 463% rise in Cuban arrests compared to late 2024, with more than 42,000 Cubans currently holding final deportation orders. Additionally, ICE has secured over 2,500 287(g) agreements with local police departments to assist in daily enforcement.
The players
ICE
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is the primary federal body responsible for interior immigration enforcement and deportation operations.
Department of Homeland Security
This cabinet-level department manages national security, border control, and over 22,000 officers and staff currently executing agency policy.
US Supreme Court
The highest federal court in the United States is scheduled to hear arguments regarding deportation notice requirements in December 2026.
The details
Agents currently conduct arrests in public locations during daily routines, often completing the operations in approximately 90 seconds. While detainees with criminal records comprised 60% of those in custody during December 2024, that figure dropped to fewer than 25% by July 2026 as enforcement volume increased.
Timeline
Late 2024 marked the start of the 463% increase in arrest frequency.
In December 2024, 60% of detainees held criminal records.
In July 2026, local forces participated in 13% of all ICE-linked arrests.
On September 15, 2026, the number of 287(g) agreements surpassed 2,500.
On September 29, 2026, the Supreme Court paused a ruling on third-country deportation notices.
Political Context
Opponents and civil rights advocacy groups argue that the reliance on 287(g) agreements creates a fragmented enforcement system that undermines community trust in local police. Dissenting officials maintain that these partnerships are necessary to address the backlog of 42,000 individuals with final deportation orders.
The expansion of 287(g) agreements means local police may increasingly coordinate with federal agents during routine stops, impacting how residents interact with law enforcement. Additionally, the $75 billion increase in DHS funding suggests a sustained federal commitment to high-volume removal operations.
The takeaway
The shift toward using unmarked vehicles for public arrests reflects a broader trend of federal agencies attempting to mitigate public visibility during controversial enforcement operations. Residents should remain aware that local police participation in immigration duties has become a standardized component of federal strategy.
What happens next
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the D.V.D. v. Department of Homeland Security case in December 2026, which will address requirements for third-country deportation notices.
Further reading
For more information on federal enforcement strategies, visit our Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
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