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The debate over Democratic border policy under President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has been reignited in light of new criminal conviction data concerning migrants entering the United States. Former President Donald Trump claimed that 13,000 convicted murderers had entered the country during Vice President Harris’s tenure as Border Czar and had been allowed to roam freely. However, recent statistics from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveal a different story.
According to ICE, the 13,000 non-citizens convicted of murder were on their records but not necessarily in their custody. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, clarified that the data spans several years and includes individuals who entered the U.S. during the Trump administration and even earlier. Furthermore, many of the individuals on the list may be detained or imprisoned by other law enforcement authorities, rather than being free to roam the country.
ICE sent Republican congressman Tony Gonzales a breakdown of the numbers in a letter, revealing that as of July 2024, there were 425,431 non-citizens with criminal convictions on their non-detained docket. This included 13,099 murderers, 15,811 individuals convicted of sexual assault, and 62,231 with assault convictions. However, DHS noted that the data had been misinterpreted and that many of these individuals were either in the custody of other law enforcement agencies or incarcerated.
While President Trump insinuated that these convicted criminals entered the U.S. during the Biden-Harris administration, DHS clarified that the data actually dates back decades, encompassing individuals who arrived in the country over the past 40 years or more. The vast majority of decisions regarding their custody were made prior to the current administration’s tenure. Data from the non-detained docket, which includes convicted felons, has shown an increase over the years, including during the Trump administration.
Experts have pointed out the challenges in deporting criminal non-citizens, which may contribute to the high numbers of individuals with convictions on U.S. soil. The United States faces obstacles in extraditing individuals to certain countries due to lack of diplomatic relations and legal limitations. Additionally, the UN Convention Against Torture allows courts to suspend deportation for immigrants who may face torture or persecution in their home countries.
Despite these challenges, DHS reported that over 180,000 criminal non-citizens had been deported since January 2021. The Biden administration has seen an increase in the number of individuals on the non-detained docket, but the number of convicted criminals on the list has not necessarily grown. ICE has yet to provide a breakdown of how many of these individuals are illegal immigrants versus those with legal status.
In conclusion, the issue of criminal migrants and border policy remains a complex and contentious issue in the United States. While the data may paint a concerning picture, it is essential to consider the nuances and challenges associated with immigration enforcement and deportation policies. The Biden administration continues to grapple with these issues as they strive to address border security and immigration reform in a comprehensive and compassionate manner.
