The number of children held in federal immigration detention has declined dramatically this year, with approximately 50 children remaining at a facility in Dilley, Texas, down from about 500 in January.

The decrease represents a 90% reduction in child detention numbers at the Texas facility over the past year. Officials have not disclosed how many of the children were deported versus released to family members or sponsors in the United States. Some of the released children have reportedly returned to their schools in the U.S.

The drop in child detention numbers comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement has maintained an aggressive pace of arrests across the country. ICE arrests have averaged more than 1,100 per day nationwide in 2026, according to new federal data.

The arrest rates have varied significantly by geographic region, with some areas experiencing higher enforcement activity than others. The data reveals what officials described as surprising variations in enforcement patterns across different parts of the country.

The Dilley facility has been a focal point for immigration enforcement debates, as it primarily housed families seeking asylum. The significant reduction in children held there reflects broader changes in immigration detention practices this year.