ICE Reports 174 Deportations of DACA Recipients in 2025 Amid Controversy
ICE deported 174 Daca recipients through most of last year, agency head says in letter
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
From January to September 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 174 individuals renewing their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections, according to agency head Todd Lyons. The figures highlight ongoing tensions surrounding DACA, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, known as 'Dreamers.'
- 01ICE deported 174 DACA recipients between January and September 2025.
- 02A total of 270 DACA recipients were arrested during the same period.
- 03The Trump administration's actions have been criticized as part of a 'white nationalist agenda.'
- 04DACA does not provide legal status, making recipients vulnerable to arrest.
- 05Confusion over arrest numbers stemmed from conflicting letters from former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In a letter reviewed by the Guardian, Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealed that 174 individuals renewing their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections were deported from January to September 2025. During this timeframe, 270 DACA recipients were arrested, raising concerns about the Trump administration's stance on immigration and the safety of undocumented individuals known as 'Dreamers.' The data contradicts earlier statements from former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, highlighting a lack of clarity regarding the treatment of DACA recipients. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez criticized the deportations as evidence of a 'white nationalist agenda' and called for the abolition of ICE and the dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS confirmed that between late September and mid-November 2025, an additional 73 DACA recipients were arrested, bringing the total to at least 343 arrests for the year. A DHS spokesperson clarified that DACA does not confer legal status and that many arrested had prior criminal charges. Lyons is set to retire from ICE at the end of May 2025.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The deportation of DACA recipients affects thousands of individuals and families across the U.S., creating fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the continuation of the DACA program?
Connecting to poll...
More about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Todd Lyons Resigns as ICE Chief: What’s Next for the Agency?
Hindustan Times • Apr 18, 2026
Rep. Jamie Raskin's Controversial Remarks on ICE Ignite Political Debate
The Economic Times • Apr 17, 2026
Concerns Raised Over ICE's Rapid Recruitment Amid Allegations of Questionable Qualifications
The Guardian • Apr 17, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.