Fact Check: "USCIS has referred over 26,000 cases to ICE for deportation."
What We Know
The claim that "USCIS has referred over 26,000 cases to ICE for deportation" is supported by statements from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) itself. As of June 12, 2025, USCIS confirmed that it had referred "upward of 26,000 cases to ICE for deportation" (CBS News). This referral process has been part of a broader enforcement strategy under the Trump administration, which has emphasized strict immigration enforcement and increased deportation efforts (Radio Korea).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes directly from a credible source, USCIS, which is the federal agency responsible for immigration services and enforcement in the United States. The statement regarding the referral of cases to ICE is not only a factual assertion but is also corroborated by internal government data and reports from reputable news outlets (CBS News).
The context of these referrals is critical. Under the Trump administration, there was a marked shift in immigration policy, with an emphasis on increasing deportations and reducing the discretion previously afforded to certain groups, including military families (CBS News). This shift has led to significant changes in how cases are handled, with many individuals who might have previously been granted leniency now facing deportation.
While the claim is substantiated by official statements, it is also important to consider the potential biases in reporting. The sources discussing these referrals often come from outlets that may have specific editorial slants regarding immigration policy. However, the data itself from USCIS remains a primary source and is thus considered reliable.
Conclusion
The claim that "USCIS has referred over 26,000 cases to ICE for deportation" is True. This conclusion is based on direct statements from USCIS, which confirm the number of cases referred for deportation as part of a broader enforcement strategy that has been implemented in recent years.
