DetentionReports.com Gets a Major Upgrade Just as ICE Detention Surges

The Trump administration’s ICE detention apparatus has ballooned over the past 15 months, making reliable, up-to-date data more important than ever. Enter DetentionReports.com, launched in summer 2025 by Adam Sawyer and Relevant Research, which has quickly become a trusted go-to for clear, non-partisan information on immigration detention.

Now, after nine months of development fueled by feedback from journalists, attorneys, advocates, and families of detainees, Detention Reports has undergone a major overhaul. The site’s new design offers a cleaner, more user-friendly experience without sacrificing the straightforward, stable approach that makes it so dependable.

The redesigned homepage packs more information into a single view. A revamped map now sits prominently on the left, featuring improved geographic search tools and a fresh color-coding system that highlights facility sizes and flags facilities with outdated data. The list of detention centers is no longer just alphabetical — it defaults to sorting by current population size, with flexible options to sort by other key variables. Each facility card now displays total current population, last update date, and a visually intuitive bar representing relative size.

Mobile users get the full experience too, with a version that arguably outshines the desktop site in ease of use and functionality. This is critical given the diverse audience relying on Detention Reports, from grassroots organizers to national newsrooms.

The importance of this upgrade cannot be overstated. ICE detention is poised to grow even further with anticipated new funding from Congress. DetentionReports.com remains one of the few public tools capable of tracking this expansion in near real-time, serving as a vital check on an opaque and often brutal system.

The site’s data has already been cited across the political spectrum—from progressive outlets like Common Dreams to conservative think tanks like the Center for Immigration Studies—underscoring its credibility and broad utility. Spanish-language media serving immigrant communities have also embraced it, ensuring those most affected by ICE enforcement can access clear, reliable information.

Transparency and accountability are at the core of Detention Reports’ mission. The site openly shares its data sources and methodology, addressing concerns about reproducibility and trust. As veteran reporter Jon Greenberg of the Poynter Institute noted, such documentation is essential for any tool tracking immigration enforcement.

As ICE’s detention footprint grows and the administration doubles down on harsh immigration policies, DetentionReports.com stands as a critical resource shining a light on the system’s scale and conditions. We urge everyone concerned about civil rights and government accountability to explore the new site, use its data, and hold power to account.

Visit DetentionReports.com today and stay informed on ICE detention’s ever-changing landscape. For questions or feedback, reach out to Adam Sawyer directly through the site.