Federal data shows ICE averaged more than 1,500 arrests per day

(CBS, KYMA) - New federal data shows ICE is arresting more people than ever before.

ICE averaged more than 1,500 arrests per day in July, and more than 800 of them were of people with only civil immigration violations, rather than pending criminal charges or convictions.

July is the first month when people without criminal records make up more than half of those arrested.

The numbers move ICE closer to the White House's goal of 2,000 immigration arrests per day.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told CBS News, "ICE enforces the law as written. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S.— full stop."