A new analysis from The Seattle Times shows that immigration enforcement in Washington state shifted significantly during Donald Trump’s presidency. Arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) grew more aggressive, with an uptick in people detained who had no criminal record. Data reveals that while deportations declined nationwide in recent years, the share of arrests in Washington involving individuals without prior convictions rose sharply, heightening fears within immigrant communities. Advocates warn that such tactics have lasting impacts on public safety and family stability.

The UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge contributed crucial data to the report, offering a detailed breakdown of arrest patterns and demographic impacts. Their analysis helped quantify how enforcement priorities changed under the Trump administration and illuminated disproportionate effects on certain immigrant groups in Washington. By mapping these shifts, UCLA CNK’s research provided a factual foundation for understanding how federal policy translated into local consequences.