Fact Check: "Over 70% of ICE detainees arrested in U.S. interior, not border crossings!"
What We Know
The claim that over 70% of ICE detainees are arrested in the U.S. interior rather than at border crossings is supported by data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics, the majority of arrests made by ICE occur within the interior of the United States. Recent reports indicate that this figure has risen significantly, with over 70% of detainees being arrested in the interior, a notable increase from fewer than 40% during the previous administration (CBS News).
ICE categorizes arrests based on their location, defining "interior" arrests as those made by ICE agents, while "border" arrests are those made by the United States Border Patrol or the Office of Field Operations (OHSS - Office of Homeland Security Statistics). This classification is crucial for understanding the context of the statistics.
Analysis
The assertion that over 70% of ICE detainees are arrested in the U.S. interior is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics provide a transparent view of arrest data, confirming that the majority of arrests occur away from the border. Furthermore, the increase in interior arrests is highlighted in a report by CBS News, which notes that this trend has escalated since the Biden administration took office (CBS News).
While some sources, such as NPR, have pointed out that claims regarding ICE arrests can sometimes be misleading, they do not directly contradict the specific statistic about the percentage of interior arrests (NPR). Instead, they focus on the broader context of ICE's operations and the implications of increased arrests.
The reliability of the data from ICE is generally considered high, as it is derived from official government statistics that are regularly updated and made publicly accessible. However, it is essential to approach any interpretation of these statistics with caution, considering the potential for varying definitions and methodologies across different reports.
Conclusion
The claim that over 70% of ICE detainees are arrested in the U.S. interior is True. This conclusion is based on credible data from ICE and corroborated by multiple news sources. The significant increase in interior arrests reflects a shift in enforcement strategies and is well-documented in the available statistics.
Sources
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics
- ICE Detentions | OHSS - Office of Homeland Security Statistics
- CBP Enforcement Statistics
- Under President Trump ICE Arrests Have Increased by 627%
- ICE updates online data dashboard
- Custody and Transfer Statistics
- ICE is making more arrests, but some claims don't add up - NPR
- ICE holding a record 59,000 immigrant detainees, nearly half with no ...
