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New US statistics on criminal migrants reveal a complex and often misinterpreted picture of the reality at the border. As Democratic border policy under President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris faces criticism for its handling of criminal migrants, it is important to take a closer look at the data to separate fact from misinformation.
Former President Donald Trump recently claimed that “13,000 convicted murderers entered our country during [Kamala Harris’s] three and a half year period as Border Czar” and were allowed to “openly roam our country.” However, a closer examination of the latest statistics from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that these assertions are not entirely accurate.
ICE’s most recent numbers show that there were indeed 13,000 non-citizens with criminal convictions for murder on its records, but they were not all in ICE custody. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, clarified that the data span several years and include individuals who entered the US during previous administrations, including the Trump administration. Furthermore, many of the individuals on this list may be detained or imprisoned by other law enforcement authorities, rather than roaming freely as Trump suggested.
In a letter to Republican congressman Tony Gonzales, ICE provided more detailed numbers regarding non-citizens with criminal convictions on its “non-detained docket.” As of July 2024, there were 425,431 non-citizens with criminal convictions, including 13,099 convicted murderers, 15,811 with sexual assault convictions, and 62,231 with assault convictions. However, DHS acknowledged that these figures do not necessarily represent individuals who are currently free in society, as many may be under the jurisdiction of other law enforcement agencies.
The misinterpretation of this data is evident in Trump’s claims that the 13,000 convicted murderers entered the US during the Biden-Harris administration. DHS clarified that the data dates back decades and includes individuals who have been in the country for over 40 years, with custody determinations made by various administrations. While the exact breakdown of convicted criminals under each administration is not readily available, it is clear that the non-detained docket has grown over time, including during the Trump administration.
Experts caution against attributing the rise in non-citizens with criminal convictions solely to the Biden administration, noting that the list has increased under multiple administrations. Michelle Mittelstadt of the Migration Policy Institute points out that the growing number of individuals on the docket is a reflection of broader trends in immigration rather than specific policies implemented by any one administration.
One of the challenges in addressing criminal non-citizens is the difficulty in deporting them to their home countries. Michelle Mittelstadt explains that the US government relies on cooperation from foreign governments to facilitate deportations, and diplomatic relationships can impact the frequency of deportation flights. Furthermore, legal protections such as the UN Convention Against Torture may prevent the deportation of individuals who are at risk of torture or persecution in their home countries.
Despite these challenges, DHS reported deporting over 180,000 criminal non-citizens since January 2021. While the administration continues to grapple with the complex issue of criminal migrants, it is essential to base policy decisions on accurate and nuanced understandings of the data at hand. By examining the statistics thoroughly and avoiding misinterpretation, policymakers can develop more effective strategies for addressing criminal migrants at the border.
