Immigration Enforcement — 2026-03-23
ICE Detention Population Doubles to 72,000 as $85 Billion Expansion Transforms Warehouses Nationwide
ICE detention has surged from 37,000 to over 72,000 detainees since the Trump administration received $85 billion in new funding, with $45 billion specifically for detention expansion. The government aims to build capacity for 100,000 beds by converting warehouses and commercial buildings nationwide. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll shows 65% of Americans now say ICE has 'gone too far,' an 11-point increase since last summer. Community opposition has halted planned facilities in several locations, including Merrimack, NH, while the ACLU has filed suit over conditions at converted sites.
Analysis
Detention population has held at 72,000+ since February. The 65% 'gone too far' polling figure (NPR/PBS/Marist) is a new data point, up 11 points since summer 2025, suggesting erosion of public support that could constrain future expansion.
Detention population has held at 72,000+ since February. The 65% 'gone too far' polling figure (NPR/PBS/Marist) is a new data point, up 11 points since summer 2025, suggesting erosion of public support that could constrain future expansion.
2 sources
- ICE agents conduct immigration enforcement at SFO -
NewsNation - Mapping ICE's expanding footprint, and the communities fighting back - OPB (NPR Oregon)