ICE Detentions Surge, Leaving 11,000 U.S. Citizen Children Without Parents

March 23, 2026

A ProPublica investigation reveals that during the first seven months of President Trump's second term, federal immigration authorities detained parents of over 11,000 U.S. citizen children—more than double the rate of the previous administration. This enforcement surge has left American-born children in the care of pastors, relatives, and other community members while their parents face detention and potential deportation, with mothers being deported at roughly four times previous rates. Federal officials defend the policy while removing language about "humane" treatment from enforcement directives, though they claim not to separate families since parents can choose to take children when leaving or designate caregivers.

Who is affected

More than 11,000 U.S. citizen children whose parents were detained in the first seven months of Trump's second term
Parents (particularly mothers) of U.S.-born children who are being detained and deported
Caregivers like pastors and community members who are taking in children after parental detention
Residents of Washington County, Maryland, near the proposed Williamsport detention facility site
People currently held in immigration detention (which rose from 37,000 to over 72,000 within a year)
Maryland state officials and community members affected by federal detention facility decisions

What action is being taken

Federal immigration authorities are arresting and detaining parents of U.S. citizen children at increased rates (more than 50 children per day affected)
Immigration enforcement is ramping up nationwide with increased detention capacity and expanded operations
Maryland is pursuing a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and ICE
A federal judge is blocking construction of the Maryland detention facility through a Temporary Restraining Order (extended to April 16)
Communities across the country are pushing back against new detention sites

Why it matters

This enforcement shift represents a significant departure from previous immigration policy priorities, directly impacting thousands of American citizen children who are separated from their detained parents despite having no immigration status issues themselves. The removal of "humane" treatment language from enforcement directives and the dramatic increase in maternal deportations signal a fundamental change in how immigration authorities approach cases involving families with U.S.-born children. The expansion challenges state authority and community input in federal decisions, as demonstrated by Maryland's legal battle over a facility constructed without required environmental review or public consultation, raising constitutional questions about federal overreach and the balance between immigration enforcement and family stability for American citizens.

What's next

Maryland's Temporary Restraining Order blocking detention facility construction is extended until April 16
Federal plans continue to expand detention capacity beyond the current 220 sites already in operation
Additional detention locations remain under consideration nationwide
Maryland's lawsuit against DHS and ICE continues through the courts

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer