Fact Check: How many of those deported from USA are actually criminals

Fact Check: "How many of those deported from the USA are actually criminals?"

What We Know

Recent data indicates that a significant portion of individuals deported from the United States do not have criminal convictions. According to the Deportation Data Project, approximately 50% of immigrants detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) lack any criminal record. This translates to nearly 30,000 individuals currently in detention without a criminal conviction. The trend has shown a marked increase in the detention of non-criminal immigrants, with NPR reporting that the number of detainees without criminal convictions has nearly doubled since May 2025 (NPR).

Furthermore, a Washington Post analysis revealed that more than half of those removed from the U.S. since January 20, 2025, also did not have a criminal conviction. This statistic contrasts sharply with the narrative promoted by some government officials, who claim that ICE is primarily targeting the "worst of the worst" criminals. In reality, the share of detained migrants with criminal convictions has been decreasing; for instance, the percentage of detainees with criminal records dropped from 46% in January to 30% by June 2025 (Washington Post).

Analysis

The evidence suggests that the claim regarding the criminality of deported individuals is largely accurate. The statistics from reputable sources such as NPR and the Washington Post provide a clear picture of the current state of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The data indicates a significant shift towards detaining and deporting individuals without criminal backgrounds, contradicting the administration's assertions about targeting serious offenders.

The reliability of the sources is bolstered by their established credibility in reporting on immigration issues. NPR is known for its rigorous journalistic standards, while the Washington Post has a long history of investigative journalism. Both outlets have utilized data from the Deportation Data Project, which is supported by academic research and legal expertise, further enhancing the credibility of the findings.

However, it is important to note that the data does not encompass all arrests and removals, as it excludes figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which could provide a more comprehensive view of immigration enforcement (Washington Post). Additionally, while the statistics indicate a trend, they do not capture the full complexity of individual cases, such as the nature of any pending charges or the context of each deportation.

Conclusion

The claim that a significant number of those deported from the USA are not criminals is True. The data clearly shows that a substantial proportion of individuals detained and deported by ICE do not have criminal convictions, which contradicts the narrative that the agency is primarily targeting serious offenders. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible sources that report on the current trends in immigration enforcement.