U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is initiating a nationwide operation targeting migrant families with children who have final deportation orders. This operation focuses on adults and minors who entered the country together and are subject to removal. After arrest, these families will be placed in detention prior to deportation.
Number of Affected Migrant Families
Specific figures regarding the number of migrant families affected by this new ICE operation have not been publicly disclosed. However, the reopening of detention centers, such as the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, indicates a significant capacity for detaining families. This facility, operated by CoreCivic, can accommodate up to 2,400 individuals.
Detailed statistics on deportations specific to the Los Angeles, California area related to this operation are not readily available. ICE typically releases national data, and localized figures are less frequently reported. In February 2025, ICE raided at least three homes in the South Los Angeles area.
Under the longstanding Flores Settlement Agreement, minors cannot be held in ICE detention for more than 20 days. This limitation poses logistical challenges for large-scale family detentions, as families may need to be released if their deportation proceedings extend beyond this period.
The Trump administration’s plan to reinstate family detention centers aims to detain families together during their legal proceedings. However, the 20-day limit remains a significant constraint, potentially leading to expedited hearings or alternative detention arrangements to comply with legal requirements.
The implementation of these operations and policies continues to evolve, and their impact on migrant families is being closely monitored by various stakeholders.
