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Although the government of Donald Trump stated that its program of mass detentions and deportations would begin with illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, recent data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows that all undocumented individuals are being arrested, even those with no criminal record.
Records consulted by NBC News reveal that the number of detainees in ICE custody without convictions or pending criminal charges increased by more than 1,800 in the first two weeks of February, accounting for 41% of the total 4,422 apprehended during that period.
When questioned about this, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that immigrants with no criminal records are often "far from being innocent," without providing further details.
The total number of detainees with criminal records or pending charges apprehended by ICE increased by 18% in the last two weeks, from around 14,000 to over 16,500. The agency specifies that they have been convicted of murder, domestic violence, involuntary manslaughter, robbery, child pornography, and other crimes.
The new detainees are almost all men. Only 22 women were recorded: 11 with convictions or criminal charges and 11 without them.
As of the end of last week, there were a total of 41,169 immigrants in ICE detention centers, which have a total capacity of 41,500 people nationwide. According to information from NBC News, it is unclear how many of those arrested were deported or released through the Alternatives to Detention monitoring program in these two weeks.
Only 13% of those detained will undergo an "accelerated removal" (they can be deported without a court hearing).
The remaining 87% face deportation proceedings that could take months or years, considering that immigration courts have 3.6 million backlog cases.
The United States government announced an aggressive multimillion-dollar campaign to warn illegal immigrants to leave the country immediately or they will face deportation without the possibility of return.
According to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, the measure aims to deter those attempting to enter the country illegally.
The advertising strategy, which will be disseminated nationally and internationally, will focus on sending a clear message: "If you come illegally, you will be pursued and deported," Noem stated on her X account.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not distinguish between illegal migrants who have committed serious crimes and those who simply entered the country irregularly, and that anyone can be deported.
"If you are a person, a foreigner who illegally enters the United States of America, you are, by definition, a criminal, and therefore, you are subject to deportation," said White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrant Detentions and Deportations under the Trump Administration
Is ICE arresting undocumented immigrants without criminal records?
Yes, ICE is arresting undocumented immigrants without criminal records. According to recent data, 41% of those detained in the first two weeks of February had no convictions or pending criminal charges. Although the Trump administration had indicated it would focus on immigrants with criminal backgrounds, arrests are now extending to all undocumented individuals.
Why are some immigrants detained by ICE being released again?
Detained immigrants by ICE are being released due to the saturation of detention centers and legal restrictions that prevent indefinite detention. Additionally, the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program allows for monitoring of released individuals through electronic devices and phone check-ins.
What does "accelerated expulsion" mean for undocumented immigrants in the U.S.?
The "accelerated removal" allows ICE to quickly deport undocumented immigrants who cannot prove their stay in the country for more than two years, without the need to go through the immigration court system. This measure has been expanded to apply nationwide, raising concerns in migrant communities.
What is the current capacity of ICE detention centers, and how does this affect deportations?
The capacity of ICE detention centers is insufficient to accommodate all detainees, with an occupancy rate exceeding 109%. This overcrowding has resulted in the release of some immigrants under monitoring programs due to court restrictions that prohibit prolonged detention.
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