Story perspectives

ICE detains 10,000+ in five days, draws bipartisan criticism

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

ICE detained over 10,000 people in five days, raising custody to over 63,000.
Daily arrest goals rose from about 1,000 to near 2,000.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE is focusing on routine stops, not high-profile raids.
White House signaled the surge, prompting offices to assign 80% of officers to arrest work.
Lawyers reported arrests of a Nigerian nun, nurse, minors and others with protected status, drawing bipartisan criticism.

History

Historical Context

Operation Gatekeeper, announced by Attorney General Janet Reno on September 17 1994 and launched October 1, added agents and fencing along San Diego’s westernmost miles, producing 1,470 more apprehensions at Imperial Beach that week than in 1993. The program’s Phase I shift pushed migrants eastward and, in May 1995, Operation Disruption created interior checkpoints, a model echoed in today’s ICE enforcement.

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Story summary

ICE detained over 10,000 people in five days, raising custody to over 63,000.
Daily arrest goals rose from about 1,000 to near 2,000.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE is focusing on routine stops, not high-profile raids.
White House signaled the surge, prompting offices to assign 80% of officers to arrest work.
Lawyers reported arrests of a Nigerian nun, nurse, minors and others with protected status, drawing bipartisan criticism.

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