States With the Most Deportations in 2025
We’ll explore the 15 states with the highest number of unauthorized immigrants, which puts them most at risk for increased deportations, along with their sanctuary status. Information on the number of unauthorized immigrants by state comes from Statista and the Migration Policy Institute.
The United States will experience a significant increase in deportations in 2025, due to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. Across the nation, states with sizable populations of unauthorized immigrants are feeling the effects, with tighter restrictions, expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, and changes in sanctuary policies.
This surge comes as federal authorities implement measures to carry out mass deportations, targeting individuals without legal status and even expanding enforcement into sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. At the same time, states must balance the challenges of adhering to federal directives while managing the social, economic, and community impacts of such actions. Some states have chosen to defy these orders by maintaining or strengthening sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. However, the Trump administration is threating state governments with legal action if they do not comply. It’s likely only a matter of time before these states see unprecedented deportation rates.
We’ll explore the 15 states with the highest number of unauthorized immigrants, which puts them most at risk for increased deportations, along with their sanctuary status. Information on the number of unauthorized immigrants by state comes from Statista and the Migration Policy Institute.
Colorado
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 162,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
Colorado’s 162,000 unauthorized immigrants are shielded by its sanctuary state protections. These immigrant populations cannot be entirely protected under the Trump administration, though. Aurora and Denver have been specifically targeted, with large-scale ICE raids already taking place.
Local leaders, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have expressed resistance to federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities. However, the Trump administration has pressured local officials to comply, threatening legal action against those who resist.
Nevada
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 168,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: None
Nevada lacks sanctuary policies while hosting an estimated 168,000 unauthorized immigrants. Its absence of protections leaves immigrant communities vulnerable, particularly in urban centers like Las Vegas, where many contribute to the service and tourism industries.
Without sanctuary laws, federal authorities may face minimal resistance in prioritizing Nevada for large-scale deportations. Immigrant-dependent economic sectors could experience disruptions if enforcement increases.
Massachusetts
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 209,00
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
Massachusetts, with its sanctuary state designation, protects its 209,000 unauthorized immigrants through policies that restrict local cooperation with federal enforcement. Cities like Boston enforce immigrant-friendly practices that shield communities from immediate deportation risks.
State officials have resisted federal directives, emphasizing the protection of immigrant rights and challenging the constitutionality of these policies. However, the federal government has threatened legal action against local officials who do not comply, so it’s only a matter of time before deportations increase greatly.
Maryland
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 225,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: 3 sanctuary cities; 7 sanctuary counties
Maryland’s 225,000 unauthorized immigrants benefit from sanctuary designations in three cities and seven counties, offering localized protections in areas like Baltimore. However, many regions lack consistent coverage, leaving gaps in safeguarding immigrant populations.
Local leaders, including Baltimore’s mayor, have pledged to protect immigrant communities, while advocacy groups are launching resources like raid hotlines and legal support. Despite this, Federal accessibility in non-sanctuary areas and being so close to DC will increase deportations exponentially.
Washington
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 246,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
Washington state is feeling the effects of Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, which include mass deportation operations and expanded ICE enforcement in sensitive locations like schools and hospitals. The state, home to nearly 250,000 undocumented immigrants, is dealing with the potential for widespread family separations.
Governor Bob Ferguson has responded by creating a rapid response team to support children separated from deported parents. Despite Washington’s sanctuary laws limiting local cooperation with ICE, federal operations continue to disrupt communities and industries reliant on immigrant labor.
Virginia
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 251,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: 84 sanctuary counties (some part of regional jail)
Virginia’s 251,000 unauthorized immigrants are spread across numerous counties, 84 of which hold sanctuary designations tied largely to jails. Protections could limit deportations in these areas but may not apply broadly across the state.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has pushed for stricter immigration enforcement. Youngkin has proposed withholding state funding from localities that adopt sanctuary policies and requiring law enforcement to notify ICE before releasing undocumented immigrants accused of crimes.
Arizona
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 273,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: None
ICE has ramped up operations in Arizona, leveraging the state’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. Deportations have targeted undocumented immigrants, including those accused of crimes, and enforcement actions have expanded to sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.
These policies are expected to disrupt industries reliant on immigrant labor, such as homebuilding, and create fear within immigrant communities. Additionally, tribal nations like the Navajo Nation have raised concerns about members being mistakenly detained.
North Carolina
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 296,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: 9 sanctuary counties
With 296,000 unauthorized immigrants, North Carolina includes nine sanctuary-designated counties. While these areas provide localized protections, the lack of statewide policies leaves many immigrants exposed to possible enforcement in regions outside these sanctuaries.
New state laws mandating cooperation with ICE have been placed. The state has seen a rise in targeted operations, with a focus on undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, even before conviction.
Georgia
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 339,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: 1 sanctuary city; 4 sanctuary counties
Georgia is facing increased deportations in 2025 due to President Trump’s immigration policies and targeted ICE operations. The state has seen a rise in arrests, including high-profile cases like detentions during church services, which have sparked fear and controversy.
Georgia Republicans have praised these efforts, while immigrant communities, particularly in Atlanta, are bracing for the psychological and economic impacts. The agricultural sector, heavily reliant on immigrant labor, could also face disruptions if deportations escalate.
Illinois
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 425,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
Illinois, particularly Chicago, is facing intensified deportations in 2025 as President Trump’s administration targets sanctuary cities. Chicago has been labeled “ground zero” for mass deportations, with ICE conducting large-scale raids under “Operation Safeguard,” targeting undocumented immigrants, including those without criminal records.
Despite Illinois’ strengthened TRUST Act, which limits local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, fear has gripped immigrant communities. Chicago’s significant immigrant population, vital to its economy, faces uncertainty as ICE operations disrupt businesses, schools, and neighborhoods.
New Jersey
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 440,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
New Jersey hosts 440,000 unauthorized immigrants and is a sanctuary state. These protective policies aim to shield individuals in immigrant-dense regions such as Newark and Jersey City while resisting federal enforcement.
However, its proximity to metropolitan hubs and large immigrant population could make it a target for federal focus. ICE has already increased operations targeting both violent offenders and individuals with deportation orders.
Florida
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 772,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: None
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is strongly enforcing Trump’s new immigration standards. Florida has implemented strict E-Verify laws, expanded law enforcement collaboration with ICE, and prioritized deporting undocumented immigrants, including those without criminal records.
Routine ICE check-ins in Florida have increasingly led to detentions, creating fear among immigrant communities. Additionally, DeSantis has pushed for policies like denying bail to undocumented immigrants and expanding deportation programs, further escalating enforcement efforts across the state.
New York
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 835,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
Despite being a sanctuary state with laws limiting local law enforcement from assisting immigration agents, New York has still seen recent raids targeting both violent offenders and essential workers, creating widespread fear.
Undocumented immigrants contribute over $3 billion in taxes annually and are vital to industries like construction, childcare, and restaurants. Unauthorized immigrants working in service industries could be disproportionately impacted if deportations intensify under expanded guidelines.
Texas
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 1,739,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: None
Trump’s immigration policies and Governor Greg Abbott’s cooperation will cause Texas to face large amounts of deportations in 2025. Texas has become a focal point for mass deportation efforts, with state agencies ordered to assist federal authorities in identifying, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants.
The state’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, where over 4,500 unauthorized immigrants were apprehended in a single week in January 2025, underscores its role in these efforts. Texas has also spent over $11 billion on border security since 2021, further intensifying enforcement.
California
- Number of Unauthorized Immigrants: 2,739,000
- Sanctuary Cities, Counties, or State: Sanctuary state
California faces a surge in deportations in 2025 due to President Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. Mass deportation plans target undocumented individuals, including those with minor offenses, while federal pressure challenges California’s sanctuary laws, threatening funding and local autonomy.
ICE has intensified arrests, even in sensitive areas like schools, creating fear in immigrant communities. Divided responses from California sheriffs and rescinded protections further complicate enforcement, highlighting tensions between federal policies and California’s immigrant protections.
