In a significant milestone for US immigration enforcement, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency deported 271,484 immigrants during the last fiscal year, according to a newly released annual report. This figure marks the highest level of deportations since 2014 and underscores the challenges facing immigration policymakers amid record global migration.
The report, covering the period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, revealed that a substantial portion of deportations involved individuals who crossed the US-Mexico border illegally. Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner highlighted the agency’s efforts, stating, “Throughout the year, the agency was called on to do more without commensurate funding, working within the confines of strained resources and competing priorities.”
Biden Administration’s Immigration Policy
The Biden administration exceeded deportation numbers from its previous two years, focusing primarily on public safety and national security threats. This approach aligns with ICE’s revised guidelines under President Biden, which prioritized enforcement measures targeting immigrants posing risks to national security, border security, or public safety.
Of the 271,484 deportations, approximately 32% involved individuals with criminal histories. Meanwhile, ICE’s enforcement and removal branch reported 113,431 arrests, down from the previous year. Of those arrested, 81,312 were either convicted criminals or had pending criminal charges.
ICE’s latest report also revealed that the agency managed over 7.6 million immigrants in removal proceedings or with final orders of removal on what is known as the non-detained docket. These individuals remain in the US and are navigating the immigration process outside of ICE custody.
Challenges Ahead for Immigration Enforcement
The report’s release comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement sweeping immigration reforms, making mass deportation a cornerstone of his administration. However, Trump’s plans are expected to encounter similar challenges faced by Biden and his predecessors, including limited resources and personnel within key immigration agencies.
“There’s a difference between arresting people and deporting people,” a former Department of Homeland Security official explained. “Unless there’s a significant change in the immigration process, deportation requires some form of legal proceedings.”
Notably, ICE’s report also highlighted diplomatic efforts under Biden’s leadership to increase the number of accepted removal flights and negotiate with countries, including China, to facilitate deportations.
Historical Context
While the Biden administration’s deportation figures are significant, they fall short of the approximately 400,000 deportations carried out in one year under former President Barack Obama. However, many of Obama’s deportations involved recent border crossers, a less complex process compared to targeting individuals already residing in the US.
The rising numbers reflect ongoing struggles to address migration surges and enforce immigration laws amid strained resources and evolving priorities. As the Trump administration gears up to expand immigration enforcement, it faces the dual challenge of policy implementation and operational capacity.
Credit: CNN
