ICE Detainers Skyrocket 400% in NYC Under Trump Compared to Biden’s Term

In a striking revelation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the number of ICE detainers issued in New York City, a prominent sanctuary city, has surged by over 400% under President Donald Trump's administration compared to the entirety of Joe Biden's term. Since Trump took office in January, ICE has lodged an impressive 6,025 requests for custody transfers, dwarfing the 9,472 detainers issued during Biden’s four years.

However, the response from New York City has been tepid at best. Despite this dramatic increase in requests, only a handful have been honored, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of sanctuary policies. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin didn’t mince words, stating that in just six months, the detainer numbers have exploded, accusing local leaders of prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal immigrants over the safety of American citizens.

The human cost of these policies is becoming painfully clear. A recent incident involving an off-duty Border Patrol officer, shot in the face by an illegal immigrant previously released under Biden’s watch, underscores the deadly consequences of ignoring ICE detainers. The suspect, a Dominican national, had been apprehended in 2023 but was released into the U.S., only to later commit this violent act.

Moreover, ICE agents themselves are facing unprecedented hostility. Assaults on officers have skyrocketed by 830% since Trump’s inauguration, a surge DHS attributes to anti-ICE rhetoric and sanctuary policies that embolden resistance. This escalating violence against agents is a grim reminder of the challenges in enforcing immigration laws in politically charged environments.

New York City’s sanctuary stance isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a national flashpoint. With data revealing thousands of arrests among migrants in city shelters for crimes ranging from theft to sex offenses, the tension between local and federal priorities continues to simmer. As Trump’s deportation agenda presses forward, the clash over sanctuary cities is far from over.