The RecordExhibit 57
More than 170 U.S. citizens held by immigration agents
Alleged means: Serious, credible accusations of illegality that no court or watchdog has decided yet.
ProPublica documented more than 170 American citizens detained by immigration agents in 2025, some kicked, tased, beaten or held for days without a lawyer.
What happened
Nearly 20 children were among them, and at least three of the citizens were pregnant. The government does not track how often its agents detain citizens.
Where it stands
On Dec. 9, 2025, Senate Democrats led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal published a report, based on interviews with nearly two dozen citizens, that concluded immigration agents have frequently detained and mistreated Americans; one was held for four days. It is a report by one party's senators, not an official finding. The Supreme Court had earlier allowed agents in the Los Angeles area to consider factors including race.
The administration's side
DHS says it does not arrest or deport U.S. citizens and that citizens it detained were interfering with or assaulting officers. It repeated after the Senate report that it does not arrest citizens for immigration enforcement.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/citizens/