NORTH CAROLINA — There’s been a sharp uptick in ICE arrests across the country.
The Deportation Data Project reports in 2026, there have been more than 5,000 ICE apprehensions in North Carolina.
Nationwide, ICE has detained more than 253,000 people this year.
Immigration advocates say the increased enforcement activity is contributing to fear and anxiety for immigrants along with their families.
“People with status are afraid to do things like drive because they think, ‘I’m going to get arrested, I’m going to get pulled over, I’m going to get put into ICE custody,’” said Trey DeBrine, an immigration law attorney.
According to data, about 28% of people detained nationwide this year were convicted criminals, 30% had pending criminal charges and more than 40% had no criminal history.
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