Fact Check: 72% of ICE detainees had no prior criminal convictions.

Fact Check: "72% of ICE detainees had no prior criminal convictions."

What We Know

The claim that "72% of ICE detainees had no prior criminal convictions" is based on statistics regarding the criminal history of individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to a report by CBS News, as of June 2023, nearly half (47%) of those detained by ICE lacked a criminal record, and fewer than 30% had been convicted of crimes (CBS News). This indicates a significant portion of detainees do not have prior criminal convictions, but it does not support the specific figure of 72%.

Furthermore, more recent data from a report by TRAC (Transaction Records Access Clearinghouse) indicates that as of June 15, 2025, approximately 71.7% of individuals held in ICE detention had no criminal record (TRAC Reports). This suggests that while the claim may have some basis in recent statistics, it is not universally applicable across all timeframes or datasets.

Analysis

The claim of 72% appears to be a misrepresentation or an extrapolation from various statistics regarding ICE detainees. The CBS News report provides a clear breakdown of the detainee population, indicating that while a significant percentage (47%) lack a criminal record, the figure of 72% is not substantiated by their data (CBS News).

The TRAC report, which shows 71.7% without a criminal record, is more aligned with the claim but is from a later date and may not reflect the same population or context as the earlier statistics (TRAC Reports).

The reliability of these sources varies. CBS News is a well-established news organization known for its investigative journalism, making it a credible source for immigration statistics. TRAC is a research organization that specializes in immigration data, which also lends credibility to its findings. However, the original claim lacks context and specificity regarding the timeframe and the population it refers to, which is critical in evaluating its accuracy.

Conclusion

The claim that "72% of ICE detainees had no prior criminal convictions" is Partially True. While there is evidence from TRAC indicating a high percentage of detainees without prior convictions, the specific figure of 72% does not accurately reflect the data from CBS News, which reported 47% lacking a criminal record. Thus, while the claim is grounded in some truth, it is not universally applicable and requires further context to be fully accurate.

Fact Check: 72% of ICE detainees had no prior criminal convictions.