Recent data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revealed that over 435,000 undocumented migrants with criminal convictions have been released across various U.S. cities. This alarming figure was communicated by ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner in a letter addressed to U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas. As of July 21, there were approximately 662,566 noncitizens on ICE’s non-detained docket (NDD), which indicates they are not currently held in detention while awaiting immigration proceedings.
In his letter, Lechleitner stated, “Of those, 435,719 are convicted criminals, and 226,847 have pending criminal charges.” This revelation came after Gonzales requested data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning migrants with criminal backgrounds in March. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Gonzales expressed deep concern over the data, calling it “beyond disturbing” and emphasizing the need for the Biden administration to address these issues effectively.
Chairman Mark Green of the House Homeland Security Committee echoed Gonzales’s concerns, labeling the information as “shocking.” He criticized the Biden administration for releasing tens of thousands of criminal migrants into American communities, stating, “This defies all common sense.” Green stressed that DHS has been directed to release illegal aliens known to have criminal convictions, raising fears about public safety across the nation.
Lechleitner provided specific figures regarding the types of crimes committed by those released. He noted that 62,231 noncitizens with convictions for assault have been released, alongside 42,915 who are facing pending assault charges. Additionally, 15,811 individuals with convictions for sexual assault, 56,533 for drug possession, and 2,521 for kidnapping have also been released by ICE, further highlighting the potential risks to public safety.
The ICE Deputy Director pointed to the lack of cooperation from law enforcement in so-called “sanctuary cities” as a contributing factor to these releases. He indicated that some jurisdictions are increasingly refusing to honor ICE detainer requests, even for individuals convicted of serious felonies. Lechleitner acknowledged the concerns of these jurisdictions regarding trust with immigrant communities but warned that sanctuary policies might inadvertently protect dangerous criminals.
Gonzales, in his role as an Appropriator, pledged to ensure that ICE receives the necessary resources to deport noncitizens with criminal records. He called for a shift in sanctuary city policies to prioritize the safety of American citizens. Lechleitner reinforced that under the current administration, DHS has been removing and returning a significant number of migrants who lack a legal basis to remain in the U.S., prioritizing those posing national security and public safety risks.
Since May 2023, DHS has reportedly removed or returned nearly 900,000 individuals. Lechleitner noted that while certain noncitizens, particularly those convicted of homicide, are not permitted to be released, other cases are evaluated individually, considering various factors, including flight risk and potential threats to national security or public safety.
With an increased capacity to hold 41,500 noncitizens in Fiscal Year 2024, up from 34,000 in the previous fiscal year, ICE continues to navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement amid growing concerns about the implications of releasing migrants with criminal backgrounds.