How NYC’s Immigration Arrests Jumped After the Last Election

New York City saw a big rise in federal immigration arrests after the 2024 presidential inauguration. A city report found that between Trump’s swearing-in and March 2026, ICE picked up 5, 567 people in the area. That’s 71% more than during the same period under the previous president. More than half of those arrests happened at 26 Federal Plaza, where immigration court is located. The surge in detentions comes as the federal government pushes stricter enforcement policies. Critics argue these actions target communities already facing challenges, while supporters say they follow federal priorities.The city audit also called for changes in how local agencies share information with immigration officials. It recommended stopping routine reports on non-citizens in custody, saying such disclosures aren’t legally required. Another suggestion involved reviewing emails between city jail staff and ICE to check for improper coordination. New York has laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Some officials say this protects public safety by encouraging immigrants to report crimes without fear. Others see it as a conflict with federal authority, sparking debates over who should handle immigration matters.