The ICE deportations 2026 total reached 483,200 for the fiscal year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on November 12, 2026. At Campos Law Firm, we closely monitor developments in U.S. immigration policy to protect our clients’ rights and future. A headline like this is worrying, but the numbers deserve a careful read.
Here is what we know, what we do not know yet, and what you can do.
What Did DHS Announce?
According to DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out 483,200 deportations and more than 491,000 arrests in fiscal year 2026, which ran from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Of those arrests, nearly 475,000 were administrative, meaning civil immigration violations, CBS News reported.
DHS describes both figures as the highest in ICE’s history. According to CBS News, the previous record was 442,640 deportations in fiscal year 2025, also reported by the government. The agency added that August 2026 was its busiest month for arrests, with 50,925, and that September topped 48,000.
“Fiscal Year 2026 saw the highest number of ICE deportations and arrests for any year in ICE’s history,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement cited by CBS News.
What Do the ICE Deportations 2026 Figures Leave Out?
These are government-announced numbers, not the result of an independent audit. According to the AP, the agency did not release enough methodology or detail to verify the figures. As of publication, we have not been able to review the full tables behind the announcement.
What is missing, according to the outlets and analysts we reviewed:
- Criminal history: the announcement does not say how many deportees had convictions. The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), cited by CBS News, estimated that about 20% of roughly 980,000 ICE and CBP deportations between January 2025 and July 2026 involved a criminal conviction.
- Type of departure: according to CBS News, a TRAC analysis (Syracuse University) found that formal removals made up 63% of deportations in July and August 2026; the rest were voluntary departures and returns.
- Where they happened: Steven Camarota of the Center for Immigration Studies told Al Jazeera the data does not show how many were interior arrests versus turnarounds at the border or airports.
- Nationalities: no breakdown by destination country was released.
For context, ICE reported 271,484 deportations in fiscal year 2024, according to the AP. CBS News also notes that ICE’s figures do not include those of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Do These Numbers Change Your Rights?
No. A statistical announcement does not change the law, filing deadlines, or eligibility for protection. What it can change is the pace of enforcement, which is why it matters to know exactly where you stand legally. These terms are often confused:
- Final order of removal: issued by an immigration judge (it can also be expedited or in absentia). If you have an old order, even if you were never detained, ICE can enforce it.
- Withholding of removal: it bars sending you to a country where you face danger, but it is granted together with a removal order and does not lead to a green card. We explained its limits in our article on people with withholding deported to Africa.
- Asylum: a different protection that can eventually lead to permanent residence.
- Work permit (EAD): it authorizes you to work, but on its own it does not stop a deportation.
What Can You Do Now?
- Review your file: confirm whether you have a removal order, even an old one. The Immigration Court (EOIR) automated case system is available at 1-800-898-7180.
- Ask about reopening: in many cases, a motion to reopen has a general 90-day deadline from the final order, with important exceptions. Only an attorney can tell you whether one applies to you.
- Track your deadlines: hearing dates, the expiration of your work permit and TPS, and ICE check-ins.
- Do not leave the country without advice: departing with a removal order can have serious consequences if you try to return; we explain why in our article on illegal reentry after deportation.
- Have a family plan: keep copies of your documents and your attorney’s number somewhere accessible.
- Do not sign anything without reading it: especially voluntary departure forms or hearing waivers.
Protect Your Immigration Status with Campos Law Firm
Deportation numbers change from year to year, but your case is decided by your documents, your deadlines, and your legal options. We do not make unrealistic promises: we provide serious legal representation backed by preparation and integrity. Our team of immigration attorneys can review whether you have an old order, a valid protection, or a path to reopen your case.
Do not leave your immigration status to chance. Call us today at +1 (844) 922-6767 to schedule a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. Campos Law Firm: Legal Solutions in All Areas of Law.
With information from CBS News, the AP, Al Jazeera and DHS.
