Deportations Increase, But Lag Behind Soaring Illegal Immigration
The number of immigrants being detained has reached a new high, with over 36,000 individuals currently in custody, according to a recent report. This represents a significant increase from the previous count of 22,000. However, the number of deportations remains disproportionately low compared to the surge in illegal immigration.
The report reveals that in the fiscal year 2023, there were 142,580 removals, a sharp rise from the 72,177 deportations in fiscal year 2022 and the 59,011 in fiscal year 2021. Yet, these figures still fall short of the record-breaking 267,258 removals during the Trump administration in fiscal year 2019. Additionally, the report highlights that the 142,580 removals were supplemented by over 60,000 Title 42 expulsions at the border, some of whom would have otherwise been subject to deportation.
Record-Breaking Migrant Apprehensions at the Southern Border
Simultaneously, the southern border continues to experience an unprecedented influx of migrants, with a record-breaking 2.4 million apprehensions. It is reported that December alone is expected to set a new monthly encounter record, with over 276,000 encounters projected. Adding to the challenge, approximately 5,000 illegal immigrants are being released into the United States each day, as officials have disclosed.
Increased ICE Arrests and Criminal History Offenders
The report also highlights a notable increase in administrative ICE arrests, which rose by 19.5% to 170,590 in fiscal year 2023. Furthermore, 73,822 illegal immigrants with a criminal history were apprehended by ICE. Acting ICE Director Patrick Leichleitner expressed pride in the agency’s efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations, protect national security, and uphold immigration laws.
Biden Administration’s Enforcement Priorities and Republican Criticism
Since 2021, the Biden administration has significantly narrowed ICE’s enforcement priorities, restricting agents to targeting recent border crossers, national security threats, and public safety threats. This move followed an initial attempt to impose a moratorium on all ICE deportations, which was blocked by a federal judge. The administration has cited limited resources as the reason for these less expansive enforcement measures. However, critics from the Republican Party argue that this approach aligns with an open-borders agenda.
Notably, only 212 unaccompanied minors were removed by ICE in fiscal year 2023, despite more than 137,000 arrivals during the same period. This represents a significant decrease from the over 6,000 minors removed in fiscal year 2019. Additionally, the report reveals that 139 known or suspected terrorists were deported in fiscal year 2023, a substantial increase from the 56 deportations in fiscal year 2022 and exceeding the numbers during the Trump administration.
Republican Demands, Lawsuits, and White House Funding Proposal
Republican critics of the Biden administration remain dissatisfied with the current situation, advocating for stronger measures to either prevent the influx of migrants or expedite their deportation. Some Republicans have called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, while several Republican-led states unsuccessfully sued to block the administration’s narrowed ICE priorities.
To address the ongoing challenges, the White House has proposed $14 billion in border funding, which includes additional ICE detention beds and immigration judges. However, this proposal has faced opposition from Republicans, who demand stricter asylum limits and the administration’s reduced use of humanitarian parole. Some Republicans have proposed including the House GOP border security bill, which would resume border wall construction and significantly curtail the release of migrants into the interior.
While the administration has reportedly shown willingness to consider new authorities for Title 42-style removals and increased detention and removals as part of a potential agreement, it remains uncertain whether such an agreement can be reached and if it could gain support in both chambers of Congress.
Fox News’ Griff Jenkins contributed to this report.