The situation inside American immigration jails has reached a breaking point. As of January 2026, the number of people being held by ICE has exploded to over 68,000, the highest number ever recorded in the United States.
But here is the most important part: even though the government says they are catching "dangerous criminals," the facts show something very different. Official data from late 2025 reveals that nearly 74% of the people in these jails have no criminal record at all.
The "New" Target: Families and Long-Time Neighbors
In the last year, the government has changed its plan. Instead of just looking for people who committed crimes, they are now picking up almost anyone they can find who doesn't have the right papers.
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The Huge Jump: In 2025, the number of people arrested by ICE who had zero criminal charges went up by over 2,000%.
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Following the Rules: Many of the people in these jails are parents and neighbors who have lived in the U.S. for 10 or 20 years. Some were even arrested while they were at a government office trying to follow the rules for their visas or green cards.
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The "Traffic" Excuse: For the small group that does have a record, it’s usually for something very small, like a broken taillight or driving without a license.
Life Inside: "Stripped, Shackled, and Starved"
Reports from people inside these jails and from groups that watch the government show that conditions have become scary and dangerous.
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Eating Like Animals: In some Florida jails, men were kept in chains and forced to eat their food off chairs with only their mouths because their hands were tied behind their backs.
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Medical Neglect: 2025 was the deadliest year for ICE in two decades. At least 32 people died in custody. Many of them died because the guards wouldn't give them their medicine for things like heart problems or diabetes, even after they begged for help.
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"Alligator Alcatraz": Some facilities have become so crowded that hundreds of people have "disappeared" from the public database, making it impossible for their families or lawyers to find them.
The Money Behind the Bars
Why is this happening so fast? One reason is money. Most ICE jails are run by private companies, not the government.
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Big Profits: Companies like GEO Group and CoreCivic make hundreds of millions of dollars by keeping these jails full. They get paid for every person who spends a night in one of their beds.
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Cutting Costs: To make more money, these companies often hire fewer guards and buy cheaper food. This is one reason why the jails are so unsanitary and dangerous.
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Expansion: The government recently gave billions of dollars to build even more of these "warehouse" jails, aiming to hold over 100,000 people at a time.
The Verdict: A System Without a Filter
The ICE detention system is no longer just about safety. It has turned into a massive warehouse for people who haven't committed any crimes. When 3 out of 4 people in a jail are "law-abiding," the system isn't really about catching bad guys anymore—it's about using fear to control people.
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