The Trump administration has ramped up deportation efforts across the United States, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reporting a 50% increase in removals since February. In April 2025 alone, more than 17,200 individuals were deported — marking the highest monthly total since President Trump took office in January for his second term. However, despite this significant rise, the administration still falls far short of the ambitious “millions and millions” target promised by the President on Inauguration Day.

This surge in removals follows a concerted push from the White House to accelerate deportations and strengthen immigration enforcement. According to ICE data obtained by NBC News, April deportations outpaced those during the same period in 2024 under the Biden administration by nearly 29%. Administration officials are quick to cite these figures as evidence that federal immigration officers are being “unshackled” and allowed to fully exercise their enforcement powers.

"ICE officers are finally able to do their jobs," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated. "They are eager to carry out their sworn duty to protect the American people, the homeland, and our way of life."

But while the optics of progress are clear, the numbers tell a more sobering story. Even at April's pace, annual deportations would total just over 200,000 — less than half of the record 430,000 deportations reached during the Obama administration in 2013. This discrepancy illustrates a major disconnect between political rhetoric and logistical realities.

Several factors complicate the administration's goals. Notably, the number of individuals crossing the border has decreased due to Trump's restrictive policies, which limits ICE's ability to detain and deport new arrivals. As a result, ICE has increasingly focused on interior enforcement operations — an effort that requires greater resources and coordination, often targeting individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years and may have families, employment, and deep community ties.

To expand capacity, ICE has added 47 new detention facilities, bringing the national total to 154. Deportation flights have also increased, from an average of 4–4.5 per day earlier this year to 6–6.5 per day now. Meanwhile, the administration has moved to deputize more local law enforcement officers under the controversial 287(g) program and even reassigned FBI field agents to assist in immigration-related tasks.

The replacement of ICE Director Caleb Vitello in March — reportedly after frustration from President Trump and border czar Tom Homan over slow deportation numbers — underscores the administration's intense focus on results. Todd Lyons, now serving as acting ICE Director, has been tasked with accelerating removal operations and boosting efficiency.

What This Means for Immigrants

The implications of this policy shift are profound. More aggressive interior enforcement means increased risk of detention for long-term residents with deep roots in the U.S. Families are being torn apart, businesses disrupted, and legal services overwhelmed. While the administration insists it is targeting those unlawfully present, there is mounting concern that due process rights are being compromised in the rush to deliver on deportation goals.

At Saluja Law, we believe in holding our government accountable — not just to its promises, but to the Constitution. Deportation policies must be measured not merely by volume, but by fairness, legality, and humanity. The current approach threatens to erode trust in our institutions and harm vulnerable communities.