The latest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data reveals that tens of thousands of illegal immigrants, many with serious criminal convictions, remain at large within the United States.
Among these are individuals convicted of violent crimes, including sexual assaults and homicides, which some have suggested is a vindication of Trump-era policies, as Fox News reports.
As of July 2024, the data distinguishes between immigrants in ICE detention and those on the non-detained docket. More than 7 million people fall under the latter category, including over 425,000 convicted criminals and 222,000 with pending criminal charges. These figures have sparked fresh debates over the state of U.S. immigration enforcement.
The ICE data presented to lawmakers, including Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), outlines a breakdown of the criminal histories of non-detained immigrants. Among them are over 13,000 convicted of homicide, more than 15,000 convicted of sexual assault, and 62,000 convicted of assault. The non-detained docket has swelled dramatically in recent years, growing from 3.7 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 to over 7 million in 2023. Those still undergoing removal proceedings or with final orders of removal but not in custody make up a significant portion of this docket.
Republicans, like Gonzales and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, have repeatedly pointed to the increasing numbers as evidence that the administration's border policies are failing to protect Americans from potential harm.
Gonzales, voicing his concerns over the matter, stated, “As of July 21, 2024, there were 662,566 noncitizens with criminal histories on ICE’s national docket -- 13,099 criminally convicted murders! Americans deserve to be SAFE in our own communities.” His comments reflect the growing unease felt by many over the perceived dangers posed by this population.
Green echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the release of individuals with such criminal records "defies all common sense." He placed direct blame on President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who he accused of releasing criminal immigrants into American cities and communities, allowing dangerous individuals to roam freely. Green further questioned the administration’s commitment to public safety, asking how many more lives would need to be lost before stricter immigration policies are enforced. He characterized the situation as “madness” and called for urgent reforms.
Despite the outcry, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended its approach, emphasizing that it continues to enforce the law and secure borders, even under the pressure of an enormous workload. DHS pointed to a series of removals conducted between May 2023 and July 2024, which saw over 893,000 individuals deported or returned, including family units.
Removal statistics during Fiscal Year 2023 showed a marked increase compared to previous years under the Biden administration. Over 142,000 removals were conducted, up from 72,000 in FY 2022 and 59,000 in FY 2021. However, these numbers remain lower than the removal rates seen during the Trump administration, when over 267,000 removals were recorded in FY 2019.
ICE also acknowledged the difficulties posed by "sanctuary" policies in some jurisdictions, which limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In an official statement, ICE said these policies often shield dangerous criminals who could otherwise be removed from the country, further complicating its enforcement efforts.
Republican leaders remain steadfast in their criticism of the Biden administration’s rollback of Trump-era immigration policies, including the elimination of stricter enforcement mechanisms like "catch and release." They argue that these changes have exacerbated the border crisis and compromised the safety of U.S. citizens.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently visited Arizona's southern border in response to former President Trump’s criticism. She emphasized the need for a bipartisan solution to the growing crisis, stressing that only Congressional action could lead to the comprehensive reforms needed to fix the immigration system.
Despite these efforts, a bipartisan Senate bill introduced by the Biden administration aimed at addressing the immigration crisis failed to gain sufficient Republican support. The bill’s rejection highlights the deep political divide over how best to handle immigration enforcement and border security.
