Nearly Half of ICE Arrests in Northern California Lack Criminal Records

Recent data reveals that nearly half of the individuals arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Northern California have no criminal record. This significant shift indicates a growing trend in the agency’s arrest patterns, raising concerns about the targeting of non-criminal immigrants.

According to an analysis by the Deportation Data Project, a research group affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley, 48 percent of people arrested by ICE in September 2025 lacked any prior criminal background. In contrast, 39 percent had a criminal conviction, while the remaining 14 percent were facing pending charges. The data highlights a marked increase in such arrests, which have more than tripled compared to previous months.

The findings are particularly striking given that earlier this year, arrests predominantly involved individuals with criminal records. This trend follows statements from former President Donald Trump, who emphasized a crackdown on the “worst of the worst” within immigrant communities. Recent statistics suggest that the current administration continues to broaden its focus, apprehending a rising number of individuals who have committed no crimes.

Nationally, approximately 74 percent of individuals held in ICE detention centers do not possess a criminal history, as reported by the Transaction Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. In Northern California, the total number of ICE arrests has surged dramatically, with a threefold increase recorded between January 20 and October 15, 2025, compared to the same timeframe last year.

An analysis published by the San Francisco Chronicle in September indicated that deportations in California rose by 78 percent compared to 2024. However, these figures may underrepresent the actual number of arrests, as around 11 percent of data for the “San Francisco Area of Responsibility,” which includes Northern California, Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan, lacked specific state identification.

In September, there was a notable uptick in detentions at the short-term facility located at 630 Sansome St., with 246 new stays recorded—a 67 percent increase from the previous month. Typically, detainees are held there for only a few hours before being transferred to longer-term facilities. Nonetheless, reports have indicated that at least 38 individuals were detained for longer than the recommended 12 hours.

The implications of these trends extend beyond statistics; they impact families and communities across the region. As the landscape of immigration enforcement continues to evolve, the focus on non-criminal individuals raises questions about the fairness and efficacy of current policies.

As the year-end approaches, the need for accessible and informative news sources becomes increasingly urgent. Organizations like Mission Local strive to keep their content free for all, advocating for transparency and community engagement. The rising number of arrests and the shifting demographics of those detained underscore the importance of continued dialogue around immigration practices and their effects on society.