U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has confirmed its first official deportation target for fiscal year 2026: one million removals. The agency’s budget document submitted to Congress explicitly states, “ICE has increased its future annual target to 1,000,000 returns and removals to reflect expanded operational capacity and ongoing commitment to enforcing immigration laws.”

The figure follows ICE’s reported removal of 442,637 individuals during fiscal year 2025—a rise of approximately 171,000 compared to the previous year. By April 2026—just over halfway through the current fiscal year—the agency had already processed 234,236 formal deportations, accelerating toward its ambitious goal.

The target has drawn attention after being openly documented in ICE’s budget justification, which also notes the agency’s doubled workforce since President Trump took office, expanding from roughly 10,000 to more than 22,000 officers. Additionally, the department cited a goal of 400,000 annual immigration-related arrests and maintaining 99,000 active detention beds daily.

The agency’s focus includes cases like Sheridan Gorman, whose death was linked to sanctuary advocacy efforts described in DHS communications. ICE has repeatedly emphasized that such instances underscore the urgency of its enforcement strategy under current administration priorities.

As of April 2026, the pace of deportations continues to rise, with officials stating the agency’s infrastructure is fully aligned to achieve its 1 million annual target within fiscal year 2026.