US News
White House and DHS contest reports of rising noncriminal ICE arrests
Officials state that many individuals labeled "noncriminal" in U.S. databases possess foreign criminal histories, including international warrants and gang ties.
The short version
- The White House and the Department of Homeland Security are pushing back against reports from the Washington Post and the New York Times claiming that noncriminal ICE arrests have surged.
- U.S. officials state that while nearly 70% of those arrested by ICE have U.S. criminal charges or convictions, many of the remaining "noncriminal" individuals are wanted for severe crimes abroad.
- The administration highlighted several arrested individuals who lacked U.S. criminal records but were wanted internationally for homicide, child abuse, and gang affiliations.
Key facts
- The White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenged recent reporting by the Washington Post and the New York Times regarding rising arrests of noncriminal undocumented immigrants by ICE.[Fox News]
- White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis stated that nearly 70% of the undocumented immigrants arrested by ICE have been convicted of or charged with a crime within the United States.[Fox News]
- DHS stated that U.S. databases tracking domestic crimes do not automatically account for individuals wanted for violent crimes in other countries, human rights abusers, gang members, or those with Interpol notices.[Fox News]
- DHS provided examples of arrested individuals who lacked a U.S. criminal record but had international warrants for offenses such as murder, extortion, and child abuse, or held active foreign gang affiliations.[Fox News]