Study: Texas Leads Nation in Immigration Detainment, Arrest

ROCKWALL, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas recorded the highest number of immigration arrests in the nation over a two-year period, according to a new analysis by The Mendoza Law Firm.

The report found Texas averaged 40,515 immigration arrests annually, totaling 81,030 arrests over two years. Researchers said that accounts for roughly one in four immigration arrests nationwide, the highest of any state.

The analysis also estimates Texas has approximately 1.97 million unauthorized immigrants and assigned the state the nation’s highest immigration arrest risk score of 94.5.

California ranked second with an average of 12,938 annual arrests, followed by Florida with 15,173, Maryland, Nevada, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Georgia and Connecticut.

Researchers said Texas recorded more immigration arrests during the two-year period than California and Florida combined.

The study compared all 50 states using immigration arrest totals, estimated unauthorized immigrant populations and arrest rates to develop its rankings. The findings are based on the firm’s methodology and should be interpreted as an analysis rather than official government rankings.