Fact Check: "69% of ICE arrests in LA were of individuals with no criminal convictions."
What We Know
Recent data from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that a significant majority of arrests in Los Angeles were of individuals without criminal convictions. Specifically, an analysis of ICE data from June 1 to June 10, 2025, revealed that 69% of those arrested had no prior criminal convictions, and 58% had never been charged with a crime (Los Angeles Times). This data was compiled by the Deportation Data Project at UC Berkeley Law, which serves as a repository for enforcement data.
The arrests predominantly targeted working-age men, with nearly half of those detained being Mexican nationals. The median age of those arrested was reported to be 38 years (Los Angeles Times). This information has raised concerns among local officials and immigrant advocates, who argue that the raids are indiscriminate and often occur in public spaces like parking lots and street vending areas, rather than targeting serious criminal offenders.
Analysis
The claim that 69% of ICE arrests in LA were of individuals with no criminal convictions is supported by credible data from the Deportation Data Project and reported by the Los Angeles Times. The source of this data is a reputable academic institution, which enhances its reliability. Furthermore, the context provided by local officials, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, underscores the implications of these arrests on community safety and public perception (Los Angeles Times).
Critically, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that their operations are targeted and based on prior intelligence, the data suggests a growing trend of arrests among individuals who do not pose a public safety threat. This is corroborated by additional findings from the Cato Institute, which indicate that a large proportion of individuals arrested by ICE nationally also lack criminal convictions, with 30% having no criminal record at all (Los Angeles Times). This pattern raises questions about the effectiveness and objectives of current immigration enforcement strategies.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, given that they come from established media outlets and academic research institutions. However, it's important to note that the framing of the data can vary depending on the source's perspective, particularly regarding immigration policy and enforcement practices.
Conclusion
The claim that 69% of ICE arrests in LA were of individuals with no criminal convictions is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that a significant majority of those detained during the specified period had no prior criminal history, highlighting a concerning trend in immigration enforcement practices that disproportionately affect non-criminal individuals.
