Fact Check: The ratio of immigrants without criminal records being stopped at the border was 30 to 1.

Fact Check: "The ratio of immigrants without criminal records being stopped at the border was 30 to 1."

What We Know

The claim that the ratio of immigrants without criminal records being stopped at the border is 30 to 1 has been referenced in discussions surrounding immigration enforcement statistics. According to a report by The Nation, it was stated that Customs and Border Patrol agents had previously stopped most immigrants without criminal records at this ratio. However, this assertion lacks comprehensive context and verification.

Recent data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that as of July 21, 2024, there were 662,556 individuals under ICE supervision who were either convicted of crimes or facing criminal charges, with nearly 15,000 in custody (AP News). The majority of these individuals were not detained by ICE, which complicates the interpretation of the statistics. The Department of Homeland Security clarified that these numbers include individuals who may be detained by state or local agencies, and not solely by ICE (AP News).

Analysis

The claim's validity hinges on the interpretation of statistics regarding immigrants stopped at the border. While the assertion of a 30 to 1 ratio suggests a significant disparity between those without criminal records and those with, the source from The Nation does not provide detailed data or methodology to substantiate this claim.

Moreover, the context provided by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security indicates that many individuals classified as "non-detained" may still be under supervision or facing legal proceedings, which complicates the narrative of a straightforward ratio. The statistics cited by ICE reflect a broader historical context, including data from previous administrations, which may not accurately reflect the current situation under the Biden administration (BBC).

The reliability of the sources reporting this claim varies. The Nation, while a reputable publication, has a progressive editorial stance that may influence its interpretation of immigration data. In contrast, the AP News and ICE provide official statistics and clarifications that offer a more nuanced view of the immigration enforcement landscape.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim that the ratio of immigrants without criminal records being stopped at the border is 30 to 1 remains unverified due to a lack of comprehensive data and context. While the assertion is based on reported statistics, the interpretation of these figures is contentious and requires further substantiation to be deemed accurate.

Fact Check: The ratio of immigrants without criminal records being stopped at the border was 30 to 1.