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New US Statistics on Criminal Migrants: A Closer Look at the Numbers
The issue of criminal migrants has been a controversial topic in the United States, with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris facing criticism for their border policies. Former President Trump recently made claims that 13,000 convicted murderers entered the country during the Biden-Harris administration and were allowed to “roam freely.” However, new data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) paints a different picture.
According to ICE’s latest numbers, there were 13,000 non-citizens convicted of murder on its records. However, it is important to note that these individuals were not necessarily in ICE custody. The Department of Homeland Security clarified that the data spans several years and includes migrants who entered the US during the Trump and earlier administrations. Additionally, some individuals on the list may be detained or imprisoned by other law enforcement authorities.
The figures released by ICE show that as of July 2024, there were 425,431 non-citizens with criminal convictions on the “non-detained docket.” Among them, there were 13,099 individuals convicted of murder, 15,811 with sexual assault convictions, and 62,231 with assault convictions. It is crucial to understand that these numbers do not necessarily mean that these individuals are “roaming freely,” as stated by Trump.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, an immigration enforcement specialist at the American Immigration Council, pointed out that individuals on the list may be under the jurisdiction of other law enforcement agencies or incarcerated in federal, state, or local facilities. For example, Zacarias Moussaoui, known for his role in the 9/11 attacks, is currently held in a maximum-security prison in Colorado and is not under ICE custody.
While Trump claimed that the 13,000 convicted murderers entered the US during the Biden-Harris administration, DHS emphasized that the data covers individuals who have been in the country for decades. The agency stated that the majority of custody determinations for these individuals were made long before the current administration took office.
It is challenging to determine the exact number of individuals on the non-detained docket under each administration. However, data shows a significant increase in the number of convicted felons on the list since President Biden’s inauguration. Despite this growth, experts note that the number of convicted criminals on the list has not seen a substantial increase.
Deporting criminal non-citizens poses a significant challenge for the US government, as certain countries have limited diplomatic relations with the US, making it difficult to repatriate individuals. Michelle Mittelstadt, from the Migration Policy Institute, explained that deportation flights to countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua are infrequent due to diplomatic obstacles.
Under federal law, individuals can only be detained for up to six months before the government must prove that they are a threat to society. Additionally, the UN Convention Against Torture allows courts to suspend deportation for immigrants who are at risk of being tortured or persecuted in their home countries.
Despite these challenges, DHS reported that over 180,000 criminal non-citizens have been deported since January 2021. However, questions remain about the breakdown of illegal immigrants and green card holders among those with criminal convictions on ICE’s roster.
In conclusion, the issue of criminal migrants in the US is complex and multifaceted. While the recent data sheds light on the number of non-citizens with criminal convictions, it is essential to consider the challenges and legal complexities surrounding deportation and repatriation efforts. As the Biden administration continues to address immigration policies, finding a balance between border security and human rights remains a critical issue for policymakers and advocates alike.
