Mass raids? Japan to establish its own ICE (Integrated Security Force) against illegal immigrants, like the U.S.

Given the increase in irregular migrants , Japan is considering creating its own Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service , similar to ICE in the United States ( US ), responsible for carrying out raids and capturing people living without official documents in the United States.

The measure responds to a general tightening of Japanese immigration policy , which seeks to more strictly control the entry and residence of foreigners in the country.

According to Nippon.com , the Asian country has recently adopted stricter measures against migrants, especially those who have committed crimes or are in an irregular situation .

These actions add to Japan's traditionally restrictive policy, driven by an insistence on maintaining ethnic homogeneity and the emergence of anti-immigrant movements within society.

In 2024 , an amendment to the Immigration Control Act was passed that allows, among other measures, the expulsion of repeat asylum seekers , according to Nippon News .

Starting in June 2025 , the government strengthened administrative and supervisory measures against foreign residents in response to a perceived increase in social problems such as petty crime and uncivility.

Will there be raids and stricter measures in Japan as social problems increase?

Official figures reflect a constant growth of the foreign population in Japan According to data from the Immigration Services Agency , the country had 3,768,977 foreign residents at the end of 2024, representing an increase of 357,985 people—10.5% compared to the previous year—and marking the third consecutive year with a record high in this indicator.

This increase has raised concerns among government and public sectors, which are seeking stricter measures to monitor and regulate the presence of foreigners in the country.

Although Japan has maintained a restrictive immigration policy for decades, the growth of the foreign population , together with social pressure for security and order, has led to the consideration of the creation of a specialized agency , with functions similar to the US ICE , capable of carrying out raids and supervising more directly the situation of irregular migrants .