Fact Check: Less than one-third of current ICE detainees are convicted criminals.

Fact Check: "Less than one-third of current ICE detainees are convicted criminals."

What We Know

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recently reported that it is holding approximately 59,000 detainees, which is a record high. According to internal government data obtained by CBS News, nearly half (47%) of these detainees lack any criminal record, and fewer than 30% have been convicted of crimes (CBS News). This data aligns with reports from other sources, indicating that the majority of detainees are not serious criminals. For instance, a report by the Independent states that less than one-third of current ICE detainees are convicted criminals, with many being arrested for non-criminal immigration offenses or having pending charges (Independent). Furthermore, a detailed analysis from inkl highlights that only about 10% of ICE detainees from October to May were convicted of serious crimes such as murder or rape (inkl).

Analysis

The claim that "less than one-third of current ICE detainees are convicted criminals" is supported by multiple credible sources. The statistics provided by CBS News and corroborated by the Independent and inkl indicate a significant shift in ICE's focus under the current administration, which has expanded the scope of who can be detained. The data shows that ICE is increasingly detaining individuals who are not serious offenders, a departure from previous policies that prioritized serious criminals and national security threats.

The reliability of these sources is high. CBS News is a well-established news organization known for its investigative journalism, and its data comes from internal government reports. The Independent and inkl also provide credible reporting, referencing the same data sets and reinforcing the findings. However, it is important to note that the framing of these statistics can vary based on the political context and the specific focus of the reporting. For example, while the statistics indicate a broader range of detainees, the narrative surrounding immigration enforcement can often be politically charged.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that less than one-third of current ICE detainees are convicted criminals is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including internal government data. The evidence indicates that a significant portion of detainees lack serious criminal backgrounds, reflecting a broader immigration enforcement strategy that has expanded the criteria for detention.

Fact Check: Less than one-third of current ICE detainees are convicted criminals.