Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with convictions for serious crimes, including sex offenses and homicides, are living freely in the U.S., according to new data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The data, shared with lawmakers, highlights a growing challenge as immigration policies face scrutiny amid increasing concerns over public safety.
As of July 2024, there are over 7 million illegal immigrants on ICE’s non-detained docket, which includes individuals with final orders of removal or those undergoing removal proceedings but not currently held in ICE detention. Of these, 425,431 have criminal convictions, while 222,141 have pending criminal charges.
Criminal Convictions and Charges on the Rise
ICE data reveals that among the non-detained individuals, 13,099 have homicide convictions, 15,811 have sexual assault convictions, and 2,521 have kidnapping convictions. Additionally, there are thousands of pending charges, including 1,845 for homicide and 42,915 for assault.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, expressed alarm over the findings. “As of July 21, 2024, there were 662,566 noncitizens with criminal histories on ICE’s national docket—13,099 criminally convicted MURDERS!” Gonzales stated. “Americans deserve to be SAFE in our communities.”
ICE pointed to “sanctuary” cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, as contributing to the problem, suggesting these policies shield dangerous individuals who often victimize the communities they reside in.
Challenges in Immigration Enforcement
The Biden administration has faced criticism for releasing many immigrants into the U.S. interior; a move opponents argue has coincided with a decline in deportations. Deportations have increased from a low of 59,011 in FY 2021 to 142,580 in FY 2023 but still fall short of levels seen under previous administrations.
The number of illegal immigrants on the non-detained docket has surged from 3.7 million in FY 2021 to over 7 million in FY 2023. Republicans blame the increase on the rollback of policies like “catch and release,” arguing it has led to a rise in criminal activity.
“Under President Biden and his ‘border czar,’ Vice President Harris, DHS law enforcement has been directed to mass-release illegal aliens whom they know have criminal convictions or are facing charges for serious crimes,” said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green. “This defies all common sense.”
Calls for Reform Amid Border Challenges
The administration has called for more funding and reforms, including a bipartisan Senate bill to increase ICE detention beds. However, the proposal has been rejected by Republicans who argue the existing resources are not fully utilized.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to enforce the law under a strained immigration system. DHS highlighted that from mid-May 2023 through July 2024, it removed or returned over 893,600 individuals, including more than 138,300 family units.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent visit to the southern border in Arizona aimed to address criticism but did little to sway opponents, who argue that more decisive action is needed to protect American communities.