Fact Check: As of early June 2023, more than 51,000 migrants were in ICE detention centers, with less than 30 percent of those held having criminal convictions.

Fact Check: "As of early June 2023, more than 51,000 migrants were in ICE detention centers, with less than 30 percent of those held having criminal convictions."

What We Know

As of early June 2023, the number of migrants in ICE detention centers was reported to be approximately 51,000. This figure aligns with data from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics and the FY 2023 Detention Statistics.

Regarding the criminal convictions of those detained, a report from the GAO indicates that a significant portion of individuals in ICE detention do not have criminal convictions. Specifically, it mentions that about 70% of detainees had no criminal convictions, which supports the claim that less than 30% of those held had criminal convictions.

Analysis

The claim that over 51,000 migrants were in ICE detention centers in early June 2023 is substantiated by multiple sources, including official ICE statistics. The figure is consistent across various reports, reinforcing its accuracy.

The assertion that less than 30% of those detained had criminal convictions is also supported by credible data. The GAO report provides a detailed breakdown of detainees, indicating that a large majority do not have criminal records. This is further corroborated by the ICE's FY 2023 Annual Report, which states that out of the noncitizens removed, a significant number had criminal charges or convictions, but this does not directly reflect the total number of detainees at any given time.

However, the reliability of the data can vary based on how different sources define "criminal conviction" and the time frame of their reports. The GAO report focuses on data from 2019 to 2022, which may not capture the most current trends or changes in ICE's detention practices. Additionally, while ICE data is generally reliable, it can be influenced by the agency's reporting practices and the political context surrounding immigration enforcement.

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. The assertion that more than 51,000 migrants were in ICE detention centers as of early June 2023 is accurate, as is the statement that less than 30% of those held had criminal convictions. However, the nuances in data interpretation and the potential for varying definitions of criminality suggest that while the claim holds true, it should be understood within the broader context of immigration enforcement practices.

Sources

1. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics
2. FY 2023 Detention Statistics
3. PDF GAO-24-106233, IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT: Arrests, Removals, and ...
4. Jail Inmates 2023 – Statistical Tables
5. PDF ICE's FY 2023 Annual Report
6. FY 2024 Detention Statistics
7. Immigration Enforcement and Legal Processes Monthly Tables
8. Detention Statistics — Freedom for Immigrants