Sigma Live

Trump Administration Gives ICE Broader Powers to Arrest Refugees

Published February 19, 2026, 12:13
Trump Administration Gives ICE Broader Powers to Arrest Refugees

The Trump administration has given the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) broader powers to arrest refugees awaiting green card approval for “review,” seen as an escalation of the Republican’s campaign to curb both illegal and legal immigration, according to a government memo. According to a government memo, refugees will be required to be detained for “review and examination” one year after entering the United States. The new policy represents a change from previous guidance in 2010, which stated that failure to obtain permanent resident status was not a basis for removal or appropriate grounds for arrest. The decision has drawn strong criticism from immigrant rights organizations, who argue it will harm thousands of people who have applied for asylum and found protection in the United States. The number of people held by ICE has increased by almost 75% since Trump’s return to the presidency, reaching around 68,000 in February. The new policy is expected to lead to further increases in detentions and worsen the living conditions of refugees. Immigrant rights organizations denounce the policy as inhumane and a violation of the United States’ international obligations.