Fact Check: "Trump supporter detained by ICE despite claims only 'criminals' would be deported."
What We Know
The claim revolves around the experiences of a Trump supporter who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite the former president's assurances that only criminals would be targeted for deportation. During his campaign, Trump emphasized a strict immigration policy, stating, "On day one, I will launch the largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America" (source-2). However, reports indicate that the scope of ICE's operations under Trump's administration expanded beyond just criminals to include undocumented individuals without any criminal records (source-4).
As of June 2025, approximately 44% of individuals detained by ICE had no criminal record aside from their undocumented status (source-2). This has led to significant concern among immigrant communities, particularly among those who supported Trump, as they believed they would be exempt from such actions (source-4).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is substantial. The experiences of the Trump supporter in Florida, who was detained despite believing he would be safe under Trump's immigration policies, illustrate a broader trend where individuals without criminal records are being targeted (source-4). This aligns with data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which indicates that many of those detained do not have criminal histories beyond their immigration status (source-2).
Moreover, the assertion that the Trump administration initially focused on criminals but later expanded its target pool is corroborated by multiple sources, including reports from Newsweek that highlight the growing disillusionment among Latino voters who supported Trump, as they witness the detention of community members without criminal records (source-4).
The credibility of the sources used in this analysis is strong. Newsweek is a well-established publication with a history of investigative journalism, and the BBC is recognized globally for its journalistic integrity. Both outlets provide verified information from credible sources, making their reports reliable for understanding the implications of ICE's actions under the Trump administration.
Conclusion
The claim that a Trump supporter was detained by ICE despite the belief that only criminals would be targeted is True. The evidence indicates that the Trump administration's immigration policies have led to the detention of many individuals without criminal records, contradicting the initial promises made during the campaign. This has resulted in significant concern and confusion among immigrant communities, particularly those who supported Trump.
