U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained at least 500 babies and toddlers between January 2025 and March 2026 [1].
These figures highlight a significant shift in immigration enforcement targeting the youngest populations. The detention of children aged three or younger represents a critical point of contention regarding human rights and the treatment of minors in federal custody.
According to analysis by The Marshall Project and MS NOW, the agency held an average of 25 children aged three or younger in custody on any given day during this period [1], [2]. The data covers the timeframe starting from when President Trump returned to office in January 2025 through March 2026 [1], [3].
Jacob Soboroff said ICE detained over 500 babies and toddlers under Trump [4]. The increase in detentions is linked to heightened immigration enforcement strategies implemented by the administration since early 2025 [2], [3].
"On an average day under Trump, ICE has 25 children aged 3 or younger in custody," the Marshall Project analysis team said [1]. The research indicates that the agency increased the number of toddlers held in facilities compared to previous patterns [2].
Reports indicate that these children were held within various ICE detention facilities across the U.S. [1], [4]. The findings suggest that the scale of these detentions was a consistent feature of the enforcement landscape throughout the 14-month window analyzed [1], [3].
“ICE detained over 500 babies and toddlers under Trump.”
The detention of infants and toddlers signals a departure from previous policies that often prioritized the release of very young children to sponsors or alternative custody. By maintaining a consistent daily average of 25 toddlers in facilities, the U.S. government has institutionalized the detention of a demographic that is generally considered most vulnerable to the psychological and physical stresses of incarceration.
