Streamlly Original
More Than 68K in ICE Custody
Reported by Alecia Venkataraman, Michael Jorge, Toni Mitchell
- Published: Mar 10, 2026, 11:35 PM EDT
- Duration: 30 sec
- Views: 9
A record number of people in ICE detention centers has ballooned to well over 68,000 as of early 2026, and with many of those locked up having no criminal history, advocates argue.
While the Trump administration has said it is targeting dangerous criminals, others say the data show that many of the ones that ICE has arrested are not criminals.
It’s not just the types of people who are incarcerated that have advocates on edge, but overcrowding and in-custody deaths are significant concerns.
In January, eight immigrants reportedly died while in ICE custody, according to the official government press releases. These deaths come on the heels of at least 30 other deaths in ICE detention since 2025.
A Department of Homeland Security official, however, said the death rates have stayed in line with the norms as the detained population grows
Credits
- Alecia VenkataramanWriter / Director
- Curtiss PhilipsenActor/VO Artist
- Jesse JinesProducer
- Michael JorgeSenior Video Editor
- Toni MitchellSenior Reporter
Transcript
They call this a number.
More than 68,000 people are currently in ICE custody.
For some, that number is positive.
For others, it's deeply unsettling.
It's the highest detention count on record.
Many don't have any criminal record.
Some do.
Most are here waiting for their cases to be reviewed.
The only number I count is the days I haven't seen my family.