Fact Check: "The U.S. has seen a significant increase in immigrant detentions without criminal records."
What We Know
Recent data from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates a substantial rise in the detention of immigrants without criminal records. According to KPBS, the number of detained immigrants without criminal records surged from approximately 800 to over 11,700 between January and June 2020, marking an increase of 12,000%. In contrast, the number of detained immigrants with criminal records rose from about 9,000 to 14,500 during the same period, representing a 59% increase. This data highlights a shift in ICE's focus, as more than 80% of the current detention population is classified as having "No ICE Threat Level," meaning they have no criminal convictions.
Furthermore, a CBS News analysis corroborates these findings, noting that more than half of the individuals detained by ICE under the Trump administration have no criminal convictions. The report also states that only about 8% of detainees had been convicted of violent crimes, suggesting that the majority of those detained are not considered serious threats to public safety.
Analysis
The evidence presented by both KPBS and CBS News is derived from official ICE statistics, which are released bi-weekly and represent a reliable source of information regarding immigration enforcement trends. The dramatic increase in detentions of non-criminal immigrants aligns with policy changes and enforcement priorities set forth by the Trump administration, particularly the push for more aggressive immigration enforcement that began in early 2017.
While the data is compelling, it is essential to consider the context in which these numbers are presented. The Trump administration emphasized a focus on deporting "criminal aliens," yet the reality of the statistics indicates a broader enforcement strategy that has resulted in the detention of many individuals without criminal records. This discrepancy between stated priorities and actual practices raises questions about the administration's immigration enforcement rhetoric.
Moreover, the credibility of the sources is strong, as both KPBS and CBS News are established news organizations with a history of investigative reporting. The data analyzed by CBS News was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, further enhancing its reliability.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. has seen a significant increase in immigrant detentions without criminal records is supported by substantial evidence from credible sources. The data indicates a marked shift in ICE's detention practices, with a notable rise in the number of individuals without criminal histories being detained, contrary to the administration's stated focus on criminal offenders.
