Immigration Research: ICE Arrests and Enforcement
In response to the escalation of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, in partnership with the UCLA Asian American Studies Center and Unseen, produced a series of analytical briefs on recent ICE arrest patterns. The studies document disproportionate impacts on Latinos and rising arrests among Asians, revealing how politics, race, and state policies shape enforcement practices. Together, they provide evidence of bias and raise urgent questions about equity, justice, and democracy in the United States.
Latino ICE Detentions Dramatically Reshaped Under Trump
January 2026
Produced in collaboration with Unseen, this brief examines how immigration detention practices under President Trump’s second administration have reshaped the experiences of Latino immigrants. The analysis finds that detentions increasingly targeted noncriminal, law-abiding Latinos, with sharp increases in detention length, transfers between facilities, and out-of-state confinement. The findings raise serious concerns about due process, family separation, and the broader social and economic impacts of expanded detention policies.
Asian ICE Removals
December 2025
Produced jointly with the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, this brief examines removals carried out by ICE during the first six months of President Trump’s second administration. The analysis finds that removals of Asians increased by roughly 50 percent compared with the same period in the previous year. Removals were concentrated among a small number of countries, particularly India and the People’s Republic of China, and increasingly targeted long-term U.S. residents, raising concerns about bias, due process, and community impacts.
Latino ICE Arrests Surge Under Trump
October 2025
A new report produced in collaboration with Unseen reveals that Latino arrests by ICE surged dramatically under President Trump’s second administration. The analysis finds that Latino arrests doubled during Trump’s first 100 days in office and later climbed to record highs after new daily arrest quotas were introduced. Arrests carried out in community settings such as workplaces and public spaces increased dramatically, reflecting a major shift toward more visible and punitive enforcement.
ICE Arrests in California and Texas: Polarized Politics and Outcomes
September 2025
A comparative analysis of California and Texas shows starkly different outcomes. Despite California having more potential targets, arrests in Texas were three to four times higher, driven by state cooperation with ICE and partisan politics.
ICE Detention of Asians: Increased Numbers and Hardships Under Trump
September 2025
This brief documents the rising numbers of Asians held in ICE detention facilities. It highlights the hardships faced by detainees and their families, underscoring the human toll of aggressive immigration enforcement.
State Variations in ICE Arrests Following the 2024 Election
July 2025
This analysis finds sharp differences in ICE arrest rates across states. Arrests were highest where Trump support was strongest and Latino non-citizens made up larger shares of the population, suggesting enforcement was shaped by politics and ethnicity rather than crime.
ICE Arrests of Asians Tripled from 2024 to 2025
July 2025
Produced jointly with UCLA AASC, this brief shows that arrests of Asian immigrants tripled in one year. The findings point to disproportionate enforcement against Asian communities, raising concerns about selective targeting.