Fact Check: ICE's detainee population surged 50% since Biden's last days in office!

Fact Check: "ICE's detainee population surged 50% since Biden's last days in office!"

What We Know

The claim that ICE's detainee population surged by 50% since the last days of President Biden's administration is based on recent statistics regarding immigration detention. As of January 2025, ICE reported a detainee population of approximately 39,703 individuals (source-4). By June 2025, this number had reportedly increased to over 59,000, marking a significant rise (source-6). This indicates an increase of about 48% to 50% in the detainee population within a few months.

Furthermore, reports indicate that the federal government was holding more than 48,000 people in immigration detention as of early June 2025, which represents a 20% increase since January of that year (source-2). This suggests that while the claim of a 50% surge is accurate in terms of the increase from the end of Biden's term, the context of the increase and the time frame are essential to understanding the full picture.

Analysis

The claim is supported by statistics that show a significant rise in ICE's detainee population. However, the context of this increase is crucial. The reported surge in detainees is attributed to a combination of factors, including a ramp-up in immigration enforcement and a backlog in deportations (source-2).

The reliability of the sources is generally high, with NPR providing detailed reports based on interviews with detainees and their families, as well as expert opinions (source-2). Additionally, the statistics from Syracuse University and other reputable organizations lend credibility to the numerical claims (source-4).

However, it is important to note that while the numbers indicate a surge, the framing of the claim may imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship with Biden's policies, which is more complex. The increase in detainee numbers is also influenced by broader immigration enforcement trends and operational capacities of ICE, which have been under scrutiny for overcrowding and conditions in detention facilities (source-3).

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that ICE's detainee population surged by 50% since Biden's last days in office is partially true. While the statistics support a significant increase in the detainee population, the context surrounding this surge is multifaceted, involving various factors beyond just the transition from Biden's administration. The increase reflects ongoing trends in immigration enforcement and operational challenges faced by ICE, rather than a straightforward consequence of policy changes.

Fact Check: ICE's detainee population surged 50% since Biden's last days in office!