Research Note
Researched
Maryland — ICE Arrest Surge 2025 (3,300+ detained, majority non-criminal)
MD
Key Statistics
| Period | Arrests | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Last 4 months of 2023 | 387 | Maryland Matters |
| All of 2024 | 1,353 | Maryland Matters |
| Jan 1 – Oct 15, 2025 | 3,308 | Maryland Matters |
| Jan 20, 2025 – Jan 19, 2026 | 4,800+ | Baltimore Banner |
2025 arrests were 2.4x the 2024 total in just the first 10 months.
Criminal History Breakdown (Jan-Oct 2025)
- 1,073 (32%): Criminal convictions
- 519 (16%): Criminal charges pending
- 1,652 (50.9%): No criminal charges whatsoever
- By January 2026: 80% of those arrested had no criminal history
The non-criminal share has been increasing over time — from ~50% in mid-2025 to ~80% by early 2026.
Geographic and Demographic Scope
- Immigrants from 81 countries swept up (Argentina to Yemen)
- Baltimore field office operations, with limited holding capacity at Fallon Federal Building
- The surge put extreme pressure on Baltimore’s temporary holding cells, contributing to the push for the Williamsport warehouse
Aggressive Tactics
- July 2025: Advocates describe shift to “incredibly aggressive” tactics by ICE in Maryland
- July 2025: Maryland Congressional delegation denied access to inspect Baltimore ICE facility
- October 2025: Case of Minoska Maldonado-Deras in Carroll County — released via GoFundMe, then hauled back into custody during an ICE appointment
Context
Maryland is a blue state with significant immigrant population — the arrest surge, combined with the 287(g) expansion to 9 counties, represents the tension between state-level resistance and federal enforcement priorities. The state’s legislative response (287(g) ban, Dignity Not Detention, Community Trust Act) is among the most comprehensive in the nation.
Sources
- More than 3,300 Marylanders were detained by ICE in 2025 — Maryland Matters (Jan 11, 2026)
- Maryland ICE arrests tripled under Trump in 2025 — Baltimore Banner
- Immigrant arrests in Maryland hit new high. Most have no criminal record — Baltimore Banner
- In rush for immigration arrests, a shift by ICE — Maryland Matters (Jul 26, 2025)
- Fewer than half of ICE arrestees under Trump are convicted criminals — Maryland Matters (Jul 28, 2025)