Fact Check: Obama's administration deported 438,421 people in 2013, a record high.

Fact Check: "Obama's administration deported 438,421 people in 2013, a record high."

What We Know

In fiscal year 2013, the Obama administration deported a record 438,421 unauthorized immigrants, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data. This figure marked an increase of approximately 20,000 deportations from the previous year (2012) and was part of a broader trend of heightened immigration enforcement during Obama's presidency, which saw over 2 million deportations since he took office (Pew Research Center, Texas Tribune).

The deportations included a significant number of individuals without prior criminal convictions, highlighting a shift in enforcement priorities. In 2013, around 240,000 of those deported had no criminal records, which was an increase from 218,000 in 2012 (Pew Research Center).

Analysis

The claim that Obama's administration deported 438,421 people in 2013 is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, including government statistics and reputable news outlets. The New York Times confirmed this record number, emphasizing that it reflects a continuing trend away from removals of individuals with criminal records and towards expedited removals of recent illegal crossers (New York Times).

The credibility of these sources is high; the New York Times and Pew Research Center are well-respected institutions known for their rigorous reporting and data analysis. Additionally, the Texas Tribune, which reported on the same statistics, is recognized for its focus on factual journalism regarding Texas and national issues (Texas Tribune).

Critics of the Obama administration, including immigrant rights advocates, have labeled him the "deporter in chief" due to the high number of deportations during his tenure. This criticism is rooted in the perception that the administration's policies disproportionately affected long-term residents and families (Texas Tribune).

While the statistics are clear, the context surrounding them is complex. The increase in deportations coincided with a rise in apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that enforcement strategies were adapting to changing migration patterns (Pew Research Center).

Conclusion

The claim that "Obama's administration deported 438,421 people in 2013, a record high" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that this figure is accurate and reflects a significant aspect of the immigration enforcement policies during Obama's presidency.

Fact Check: Obama's administration deported 438,421 people in 2013, a record high.