ICE Arrests of Non-Criminal Immigrants Surge in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
In June 2025, Pennsylvania witnessed a dramatic surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, particularly among individuals with no criminal history. According to recent reporting by Axios, non-criminal arrests accounted for approximately 51% of ICE’s daily arrests in early June, a significant increase from 27% in January. This trend mirrors a broader national pattern, where the share of non-criminal arrests jumped from 21% in early May to 47% by mid-June. These shifts follow a directive issued in May by the Trump administration mandating ICE to triple its daily arrest target from 1,000 to 3,000. While federal officials continue to assert that enforcement efforts target individuals who pose public safety threats, the data tells a different story: individuals without any criminal convictions are now bearing the brunt of immigration enforcement.
This escalation has not occurred in a vacuum. Pennsylvania is now among the states most actively participating in ICE’s expanded operations through 287(g) agreements—partnerships that authorize local law enforcement agencies to act as de facto immigration officers. The number of local law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania with signed or pending 287(g) agreements more than doubled in June, rising from 11 to at least 25. These agreements have drawn heavy criticism from civil rights groups who argue they lead to racial profiling, erode trust between immigrant communities and local authorities, and create legal gray zones where due process protections are undermined.
The consequences of this intensified enforcement are already being felt. In June, Pennsylvania saw 869 removal orders—an almost 53% increase from the 567 recorded in January. The Philadelphia metro area has emerged as a particular hotspot, with community members reporting ICE activity in unexpected locations, including courthouses, workplaces, and public markets. One high-profile incident occurred on July 16 in West Norriton, where ICE arrested 14 individuals at a Latino grocery store. Such events have alarmed immigrant communities and prompted public protests, with advocates emphasizing the chilling effect these arrests have on victims and witnesses of crimes, families, and even U.S. citizens mistakenly targeted.
From a legal standpoint, this shift raises several concerns. First, the sharp rise in civil immigration arrests—those not tied to criminal charges—highlights the need for individuals to understand that a lack of a criminal record does not shield them from enforcement. Second, the growth of 287(g) agreements means individuals may be arrested by local police officers operating with federal immigration authority, often without the same transparency or legal safeguards expected in criminal proceedings. Third, individuals who are detained civilly face serious consequences, including the risk of prolonged detention, loss of income, family separation, and expedited removal without the opportunity to seek relief.
For immigration law firms, this new reality underscores the critical importance of early legal intervention. Community members may wrongly assume they are not at risk due to their clean records, or they may not realize that routine encounters—like traffic stops—can now trigger immigration detention in participating counties. It is essential to educate clients and community members about their rights during encounters with law enforcement and ICE, especially in jurisdictions operating under 287(g) agreements. Individuals should know that they are not required to answer questions about immigration status without a lawyer present, and that detainers are not always backed by judicial warrants.
Our firm urges families to seek legal guidance early, particularly if any member of the household is undocumented, has overstayed a visa, or is navigating a pending immigration case. With nearly half of all ICE arrests now involving non-criminal immigrants, proactive preparation is more important than ever. We also encourage community organizations, churches, and schools to partner with immigration attorneys to offer know-your-rights trainings and legal screenings.
As legal advocates, we will continue to monitor enforcement practices, push for accountability in how local agencies use their immigration authority, and fight to protect the due process rights of those caught in an increasingly aggressive enforcement system. The weeks and months ahead will be critical, and we stand ready to support families through this uncertain time with compassionate, thorough, and strategic legal representation.