U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun detaining more people during check-ins at the federal building in downtown San Diego in recent days — an apparent shift in strategy after arrests outside courtrooms had slowed over the past month.

The spike began last Thursday, when volunteer observers said ICE agents detained at least 11 people. ICE took 10 people into custody on Friday, 13 on Tuesday and another 10 on Wednesday for a total of 44 people in four days, according to the volunteers.

Those detentions took place on the second floor, where the agency’s check-in office is located. Some of those people taken into custody came for ICE check-ins, while others were told to check in after an immigration court hearing on the fourth floor.

“My understanding from the ICE officers is t

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