Fact Check: "In June, 15% of arrestees faced expedited removal, up from 5%."
What We Know
The claim states that in June, 15% of arrestees faced expedited removal, which is an increase from 5%. Expedited removal is a process that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to fast-track deportation without a court hearing for certain noncitizens. This process has been increasingly utilized under recent federal immigration policies, particularly during the Trump administration, which broadened the scope of individuals who could be targeted for expedited removal (Protecting our Neighbors).
According to the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics, there has been a notable increase in the number of expedited removals in recent months. The statistics indicate that the percentage of individuals facing expedited removal has fluctuated, but specific monthly breakdowns are not always publicly available. However, the trend shows a significant uptick in expedited removals as enforcement policies have shifted.
Analysis
The claim's assertion that 15% of arrestees faced expedited removal in June, up from 5%, is supported by the context of increasing enforcement actions by ICE. The New York City Comptroller's report highlights that the federal government has been using expedited removal more aggressively, particularly in urban areas like New York City, where many immigrants reside. This aligns with reports from various sources indicating that the Trump administration's policies have led to a more extensive application of expedited removal.
However, the exact figures of 15% and 5% require further verification. The source of the claim does not provide a direct citation to official statistics that confirm these specific percentages. The Congressional Research Service provides a legal framework for expedited removal but does not specify the exact percentages of arrestees affected in June. Therefore, while the trend of increased expedited removals is evident, the specific numbers cited in the claim may not be fully substantiated by available data.
Additionally, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The New York City Comptroller's report is a credible government document that reflects local policy impacts, while the ICE statistics are official government data. However, without direct access to the original data that confirms the specific percentages, the claim remains partially substantiated.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that 15% of arrestees faced expedited removal in June, up from 5%, is partially true. While there is evidence of an increase in expedited removals due to changing federal immigration policies, the specific percentages cited lack direct verification from official statistics. The broader trend of increasing expedited removals supports the claim, but the exact figures should be approached with caution until further data is available.