Fact Check: "Deportations of stateless individuals born on military bases are increasing."
What We Know
The claim that deportations of stateless individuals born on military bases are increasing is supported by several recent reports. For instance, Jermaine Thomas, who was born on a U.S. Army base in Germany to an American citizen father, was deported to Jamaica despite having never set foot there. His case illustrates a growing trend where individuals born on military bases, who may not have citizenship in any country, are being deported under the current immigration policies (source-3, source-5).
Additionally, reports indicate that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its operations, leading to a rise in detentions and deportations of individuals with tenuous immigration statuses, including those related to military service (source-3). The data suggests that there has been a significant uptick in arrests and deportations, particularly among individuals who are undocumented or stateless (source-1).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including news articles and analyses from reputable organizations. For example, the Guardian reported on the increasing number of arrests of military veterans and their relatives, highlighting cases like that of Jermaine Thomas, who was deported despite his unique circumstances (source-3). This suggests a systemic issue within ICE's enforcement practices, particularly concerning individuals who may not have clear citizenship status.
However, while the reports indicate an increase in deportations of stateless individuals, it is important to note that comprehensive statistics on deportations are often difficult to obtain and verify. The government reported deporting 139,000 individuals as of April 2025, but experts have raised concerns about the accuracy of these figures (source-1). Furthermore, the increase in deportations may not be uniform across all demographics, and specific data on stateless individuals is scarce.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they come from established news organizations and expert analyses. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of immigration issues, which can vary significantly between different media outlets.
Conclusion
The claim that deportations of stateless individuals born on military bases are increasing is Partially True. There is evidence to suggest that such deportations are indeed on the rise, particularly in the context of broader immigration enforcement policies. However, the lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to quantify the extent of this increase specifically for stateless individuals. The situation is complex and reflects ongoing debates about immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.
