ICE arrests and detentions reach their highest levels as immigration becomes a key issue before US midterms

Summary

With ICE arrests and detentions at their highest levels, immigration remains a key issue for voters less than two weeks before election day, according to a Guardian live Q&A in which reporters answer reader questions on Trump's mass deportation agenda. The live page includes a timeline of Trump's shift in ICE strategy from mass raids to a quieter crackdown. One reader asked about the effect on Wisconsin farms, where foreign workers were a large part of the field labor force and now face deportation during harvest season. Reporter Maanvi said cattle ranchers and dairy farmers have pushed for immigration reform for years because their industries rely heavily on immigrant labor. In September, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, the Kansas Livestock Association and the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association warned in a joint statement that ICE operations threatened their industry. Matt Teagarden, CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association, said the US cattle herd has shrunk to its lowest number in 75 years, and that ranchers are struggling to keep up with consumer demand.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   22 Oct 2026, 17:17 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that ICE arrests and detentions are at their highest levels and that immigration remains a key issue for voters less than two weeks before election day, as its reporters answer reader questions on Trump's mass deportation agenda in a live Q&A.