Increased ICE enforcement in 2025 hurt local employment, analysis finds

A recent study by the Brookings Institution found that employment decreased in U.S. cities where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests surged in 2025. In these areas, employment fell 0.4% below expected levels, with each arrest linked to four job losses. The decline affected not only immigrants but also American workers, according to Marcela Escobari, the report’s lead author. The White House, however, attributed the employment issues to illegal immigration, emphasizing the Trump administration’s focus on border security and job creation for Americans. In 2025, ICE intensified its crackdown, leading to record-high detentions and significant community disruptions. Fear of ICE led some workers to avoid work, causing businesses to cut hours and delay expansion. This study highlights the broader economic impact of immigration enforcement policies. QUESTION: How might increased immigration enforcement affect the sense of community and trust in diverse neighborhoods?