UPDATE: For the first time, nearly 48% of individuals arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Northern California have no prior criminal record, according to urgent new data. This sharp increase signals a dramatic shift in enforcement practices, raising concerns among immigrant communities.
Recent analysis from the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Berkeley, reveals that ICE arrests in the region have more than tripled in 2025 compared to the previous year. The data for September shows that while 39% of those arrested had a criminal conviction, a staggering 14% faced pending charges, highlighting a troubling trend of enforcement targeting those without any criminal history.
This rise comes amidst a broader crackdown initiated by the Trump administration, which previously vowed to deport the “worst of the worst.” However, these latest figures indicate that the crackdown is increasingly affecting individuals who are law-abiding citizens.
The statistics are alarming: national data indicates that approximately 74% of individuals held in ICE detention centers across the country have no criminal record. This alarming trend reflects a significant departure from prior years, where arrests primarily focused on individuals with criminal backgrounds.
In October 2025, Mission Local reported a decrease in arrests at San Francisco’s immigration courthouse, where many immigrants with pending asylum cases attend routine hearings. However, the overall number of ICE arrests in Northern California has seen a staggering increase, with figures rising from January 20 to October 15, 2025, compared to the same timeframe in 2024.
Additionally, deportations in California have surged by 78% compared to last year, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. These figures may be understated, as approximately 11% of ICE’s published data for 2025 did not specify the state of arrest, leaving potential gaps in the overall analysis.
The situation remains dire, particularly at the short-term detention facility located at 630 Sansome St. In September alone, 246 new detention stays were recorded, marking a 67% increase from August. Although detainees typically remain there for a few hours, there have been reports of at least 38 individuals being held longer than the recommended 12 hours.
As these developments unfold, communities are urged to stay informed and engaged. The implications of these ICE actions are profound, affecting countless families and individuals across Northern California.
Residents and supporters are encouraged to share this critical information to raise awareness about the increasing number of arrests impacting innocent individuals. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated as the community navigates these alarming trends.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation continues to develop.
