WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security released the following statement announcing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nearly 51,000 illegal aliens in August 2026, surpassing July’s total for the new record of highest number of illegal aliens arrested in a single month.
In August, ICE arrested 50,925 illegal aliens across the country, according to DHS. This surpasses the previous record held by July 2026, which saw 50,208 illegal aliens arrested, and marks the second consecutive month with over 50,000 illegal alien arrests. July surpassed June, which saw 43,900 number of illegal aliens arrested.
“The hard-working men and women of DHS continue to break records as they defend the homeland and protect the American people,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “For the third straight month, ICE set a new record for the highest number of illegal aliens arrested in a single month, nearly 51,000. This is promises made and promises kept in action. Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE is working around the clock every day to arrest and deport illegal aliens from American communities. If you are in the country illegally, LEAVE NOW. If not, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you.”
Since President Trump returned to office, more than 3 million illegal aliens have left the United States.
Among August’s arrest were Cleiton Toledo De Souza, a foreign fugitive from Brazil, during targeted operations in Norwood, Mass.
De Souza’s criminal history in the United States includes conviction for OUI, and arrests for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license. Authorities in Brazil issued an arrest warrant for De Souza following his conviction for attempted murder.
DHS stated that the United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now with the CBP Home App.
Proponents have argued that many of the ICE arrests involve immigrants without a criminal record and have questioned tactics used by agents.
