ICE Enforcement Surge in 2025 Linked to Job Losses in U.S. Cities

Study finds ICE crackdowns in 2025 caused job losses and economic strain in targeted cities, sparking debate over enforcement impacts.

Editorial Desk

September 19, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A new study by the Brookings Institution reveals that employment in U.S. cities experiencing the highest rise in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests during 2025 declined significantly compared to expected trends.

The research found that in regions where ICE activity spiked, employment dropped by 0.4% immediately following the increased enforcement and remained below projections for up to a year. Each arrest in these areas was linked to an average of four lost jobs, according to the nonpartisan think tank.

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White House spokesperson Lauren Bis rejected claims that heightened ICE operations led to reduced employment, emphasizing that stronger immigration enforcement protects American workers and supports border control. Meanwhile, the report highlights broader economic consequences, including labor disruptions, business closures, and declining consumer spending in affected communities.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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