Who Deported More Illegal Aliens: Biden or Trump?

Introduction

The claim that is being examined is whether President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump deported more illegal aliens during their respective administrations. This question has significant implications for understanding U.S. immigration policy and enforcement trends. Various sources provide differing perspectives on the deportation rates under both administrations, making it essential to analyze the available data critically.

What We Know

1. Deportation Rates Under Biden: Reports indicate that deportations under Biden reached their highest levels in nearly a decade in 2024, with estimates suggesting around 740,000 deportations or returns in the year following the end of Title 42, a public health order that allowed for rapid expulsions during the COVID-19 pandemic 69.

2. Deportation Rates Under Trump: During Trump's presidency, deportations were also significant, particularly in 2019, when they peaked. However, initial deportation rates were lower compared to previous administrations, including that of Barack Obama. Trump’s administration utilized Title 42 for rapid expulsions, which affected the overall deportation statistics 25.

3. Comparative Analysis: According to some analyses, Biden's deportations have surpassed Trump's totals when considering the overall context of immigration enforcement, particularly during periods of high migrant arrivals at the border 46. Conversely, other sources suggest that Trump's aggressive enforcement policies led to significant deportations, especially in the early years of his term 110.

4. Methodology of Reporting: The data on deportations often includes various categories, such as voluntary returns and expedited removals, which can skew comparisons. For instance, Biden's deportation figures include those processed under Title 42, while Trump's figures are often reported separately from such measures 34.

Analysis

The analysis of deportation rates between Biden and Trump reveals a complex landscape influenced by various factors, including legal frameworks, public health emergencies, and changing immigration patterns.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited range from reputable news organizations like The New York Times and BBC to government data from the Department of Homeland Security. While mainstream media outlets typically adhere to journalistic standards, they may also exhibit biases based on editorial perspectives. For instance, The New York Times and Washington Post often provide in-depth analyses but may be perceived as having a liberal bias, while outlets like Fox News or certain conservative publications may emphasize Trump's policies more favorably.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases based on their political affiliations or the interests of their stakeholders. For example, reports from organizations or think tanks with specific political agendas may frame statistics in a way that supports their narratives.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind how deportations are counted can vary significantly. For example, some reports may include individuals expelled under Title 42, while others may not, leading to discrepancies in reported figures. Additionally, the context of increased border crossings during Biden's administration complicates direct comparisons with Trump's tenure 246.

• Contextual Factors: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique challenges and changes to immigration enforcement, affecting both administrations' approaches. Trump's use of Title 42 for immediate expulsions contrasts with Biden's eventual decision to continue some of those practices until the public health emergency ended 23.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim regarding deportation rates under Biden and Trump is deemed "Partially True" based on the evidence reviewed. While reports indicate that Biden's deportations have reached levels surpassing those of Trump, particularly in 2024, it is essential to consider the context of these figures. Trump's administration also recorded significant deportations, especially during peak enforcement years, and the methodologies used to report these statistics vary, which complicates direct comparisons.

The complexity of immigration enforcement, influenced by legal frameworks, public health policies, and fluctuating migration patterns, adds nuance to the analysis. Furthermore, the potential biases in source reporting and the differing definitions of deportation categories must be acknowledged.

It is important to note that the available evidence does not provide a definitive answer to the question posed, as the data can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the context and methodology used. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the limitations of the evidence when forming their own conclusions.

Sources

1. Trump deporting people at a slower rate than Biden's last year in office | Reuters. Retrieved from Reuters
2. Why Deportations Were Higher Under Biden Than in Trump’s First Term - The New York Times. Retrieved from NY Times
3. US deportations under Biden surpass Trump's 2019 record | BBC. Retrieved from BBC
4. Biden is now deporting more people than Trump | Reuters. Retrieved from Reuters
5. What has changed with immigration under Trump and what is still playing out? | AP News. Retrieved from AP News
6. Biden vs. Trump on immigration and border security, in 12 charts - The Washington Post. Retrieved from Washington Post
7. What the Data Shows About Trump's Immigration Policies and Deportations So Far - The New York Times. Retrieved from NY Times
8. Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact | BBC. Retrieved from BBC
9. Why deportations hit a 10-year high in 2024 | NPR. Retrieved from NPR
10. Trump's early immigration enforcement record, by the numbers | Reuters. Retrieved from Reuters