Shifting Tactics: How Immigration Enforcement is Evolving Across the US
While national attention has often focused on high-profile federal operations, immigration enforcement continues across the United States, adapting to scrutiny and evolving in subtle but significant ways. Advocates report a trend toward less visible, yet persistent, actions impacting communities nationwide.
“Smash and Grab” Raids: A New Approach in California
In Southern California, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics have shifted from prolonged operations in single locations – like parking lots near Dodger Stadium – to quicker, more mobile “smash and grab” arrests. These rapid deployments make it difficult for legal observers, protesters, or even the media to document the activity. Adriana Jasso, of the activist organization Unión del Barrio, notes a similar acceleration of arrests in San Diego. In late December, a dozen people were detained near a Home Depot on Imperial Avenue in approximately five minutes, according to witnesses.
Increased Check-In Detentions and Ankle Monitor Concerns
Beyond street-level arrests, there’s a growing trend of detentions at routine check-in locations. Siembra NC, a North Carolina organization tracking immigration enforcement, has seen a surge in reports of individuals detained during required check-ins with US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Department of Homeland Security. Since November, they’ve received 23 such reports, many involving individuals with no criminal record. Concerns also extend to those using ankle monitors as an alternative to detention, with detentions occurring at offices managing these devices.
The Impact in Washington D.C.: A Shifting Landscape
In Washington D.C., following a temporary federal takeover of the Metropolitan police department, a coalition of rights groups successfully secured a preliminary injunction preventing warrantless immigration arrests without probable cause. While arrests have decreased, reports persist of joint patrols by federal agents and local police, despite a city law limiting cooperation with ICE. Mutual aid networks have seen increased demand for legal referrals and grocery deliveries as residents fear encountering immigration agents.
Fear and Disruption: The Human Cost
Across the country, these enforcement shifts are creating a climate of fear. In Portland, Oregon, residents remain on edge after a previous attempt to deploy the National Guard. In Charlotte, North Carolina, undocumented motorists experience anxiety while driving, fearing traffic stops that could lead to detention. Immigrants are delaying medical care and avoiding school due to fear of encountering authorities. The Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network reports lasting consequences for families impacted by deportations, including loss of income and emotional distress.
Courthouse Tactics and Volunteer Resistance
Even within the legal system, tactics are changing. In San Diego, arrests are increasingly occurring in private rooms during ICE check-ins, rather than in public areas of the courthouse. A new program, Faith, has emerged, training volunteers to accompany and offer support to immigrants attending hearings, aiming to de-escalate tensions. However, volunteers report increased tension and a sense of being viewed as adversaries by newly trained ICE agents.
The Oregon Experience: A Decline in Arrests, but Lingering Anxiety
In Portland, Oregon, the number of reported detentions decreased in January, with 79 calls to a statewide hotline compared to roughly 1,100 calls during peak enforcement operations in late 2025. Despite this decline, the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition emphasizes the profound sense of being “hunted” experienced by vulnerable communities. Organizations like Scrubs for Sanctuary Oregon are providing “grasp your rights” training to healthcare workers and patients to address fears and ensure access to care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “check-in” detention? It refers to the arrest of individuals during routine appointments with immigration authorities, often at US Citizenship and Immigration Services offices.
- What is meant by “smash and grab” arrests? This describes a tactic where ICE agents quickly conduct arrests in an area and depart before observers can respond.
- Are local police cooperating with ICE? In Washington D.C., despite a local law limiting cooperation, reports suggest joint patrols between federal agents and police continue.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is facing immigration issues, contact a legal resource hotline immediately. The Immigrant Defenders Law Center and Siembra NC are examples of organizations offering assistance.
Learn more about your rights and find resources at the ICE website and the USCIS website.
Did you know? The number of calls to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center’s legal resource hotline jumped to 546 in January, a significant increase from the roughly 400 calls received monthly in the previous six months.
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