U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly expanded interior enforcement operations across the United States in 2026, representing one of the most aggressive domestic immigration enforcement shifts in recent years. The expansion encompasses workplace operations, courthouse arrests, targeted city operations, and an increased use of civil immigration detainers.
Who Is Most Affected
Individuals with prior removal orders, criminal histories, or pending immigration cases face the highest risk. However, expanded enforcement operations have also affected individuals with no criminal record who encounter law enforcement incidentally.
Key Changes in ICE Enforcement Policy
Expanded Workplace Enforcement
ICE has dramatically increased the number of worksite enforcement operations, targeting industries including agriculture, construction, hospitality, and food processing. Employers are facing increased I-9 audit notices, and civil fines for employing unauthorized workers have increased substantially.
Courthouse Arrests Resumed
ICE has resumed making civil immigration arrests in and around courthouses — a practice that had been curtailed under prior administrations. This includes arrests of individuals appearing for non-immigration matters such as traffic court and civil proceedings.
Sanctuary City Enforcement Pressure
The administration has intensified pressure on jurisdictions with sanctuary policies, threatening to withhold federal funding from cities and counties that limit cooperation with ICE detainer requests. Several enforcement operations have been specifically directed at high-density urban areas.
Expanded Use of Civil Detainers
ICE has increased the issuance of civil immigration detainers to local jails and law enforcement agencies, requesting that individuals be held for immigration pick-up after their criminal case resolves.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
Community organizations and legal advocates report significant increases in fear and self-isolation among immigrant communities, including reduced use of healthcare, schools, and social services due to enforcement concerns. Some localities have reported drops in crime reporting among immigrant populations as a result.
What Individuals Should Know About Their Rights
- You have the right to remain silent when encountered by immigration officers
- You do not have to open your door to ICE without a signed judicial warrant
- You have the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions
- Do not sign any documents without legal representation
- Administrative warrants (Form I-200/I-205) do not authorize entry into private homes
Impact on Employers
Employers should ensure I-9 compliance is current, maintain organized I-9 records, and have a legal response plan in place for the event of a worksite inspection or audit notice. Fines for I-9 paperwork violations range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation.
Key Takeaway
Interior enforcement operations have expanded significantly in scope and intensity in 2026. Individuals with pending immigration cases, prior removal orders, or uncertain status should consult with an immigration attorney immediately. Employers should audit I-9 compliance proactively.
FAQs
Can ICE enter my home without a warrant?
ICE cannot enter a private residence without a judicially-signed search warrant or consent. An administrative warrant (I-200/I-205) does not authorize entry.
What should I do if ICE comes to my workplace?
Remain calm, do not flee, assert your right to remain silent, and contact an immigration attorney immediately.
Are sanctuary cities still protected?
Sanctuary policies remain in place in many jurisdictions, but ICE operations still occur in those areas — sanctuary policies limit local police cooperation, not federal ICE activity.