The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explained it removed several recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, per a letter made public on February 26, 2026. Responding to a Senate inquiry, the DHS explained that immigration agents detained over two hundred DACA recipients over the last twelve months. The trend represents a dramatic shift in how the government interacts with DACA recipients.

DACA Outlines

DACA grants detention and removal protections who arrived in the U.S. as children before 2012. Program recipients, known as Dreamers, can work and study in the U.S. if they clear federal background checks when their status is up for renewal. Importantly, the program isn’t a pathway to legal residency or citizenship.

DHS Detainment

In a letter responding to a Senate inquiry on February 11, 2026, the DHS stated it detained two hundred and sixty-one dreamers over the past year. According to Politico, the DHS stated eighty-six of these detained dreamers were already removed. The DHS explained that two hundred and forty-one of the detained dreamers had criminal records, invalidating program protection.

The DHS’ actions fall in line with the increasingly strict immigration landscape. DACA isn’t a replacement of legal status, merely stay of immigration enforcement. Acquiring legal status as soon as possible gives Dreamers the best chance of avoiding any future immigration issues.

As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.