Despite the Trump administration's initial claims that their mass detention and deportation efforts would primarily target undocumented immigrants with criminal records, recent data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals a broader scope. The latest figures indicate that a significant number of undocumented individuals are being apprehended, regardless of their criminal history.
According to records examined by NBC News, in the first two weeks of February, the number of detainees held by ICE without any convictions or pending criminal charges increased by over 1,800, representing 41% of the 4,422 individuals apprehended during that period. When questioned, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, commented that immigrants without criminal records are often "far from innocent," though she did not provide further details.
The total number of detainees with criminal backgrounds or pending charges captured by ICE rose by 18% in the past two weeks, from approximately 14,000 to over 16,500. The agency reports these individuals have been convicted of serious offenses, including murder, domestic violence, manslaughter, theft, and child pornography.
Most of the newly detained are men, with only 22 women being processed: 11 with criminal convictions or charges, and 11 without. As of late last week, there were 41,169 immigrants in ICE detention facilities, which have a nationwide capacity of 41,500 individuals. NBC News highlights that it remains unclear how many of those arrested were eventually deported or released under the Alternatives to Detention monitoring program during these two weeks.
Only 13% of those detained will face "expedited removal" (deportation without a court hearing). The remaining 87% are subject to deportation proceedings that could take months or years, given the immigration courts' backlog of 3.6 million cases.
The United States government has announced a high-profile, multimillion-dollar campaign aimed at warning illegal immigrants to leave the country immediately or face deportation without the possibility of return. According to Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, the initiative seeks to deter those attempting to enter the country unlawfully.
The advertising strategy, set to be broadcast nationally and internationally, emphasizes a clear message: "If you come illegally, you will be pursued and deported," Noem declared on her X account. The Trump administration has made it clear that no distinctions will be made between illegal migrants who have committed serious crimes and those who have merely crossed the border without authorization; anyone can be deported.
"If you are an individual, a foreign national entering the United States of America illegally, you are, by definition, a criminal, and therefore, subject to deportation," stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Key Questions About ICE Detentions
Why are non-criminal undocumented immigrants being detained?
Non-criminal undocumented immigrants are being detained as part of the Trump administration's broad enforcement strategy, which considers anyone entering the country illegally as subject to deportation.
What is the capacity of ICE detention facilities?
ICE detention facilities across the United States have a capacity to hold 41,500 individuals.
How long could deportation proceedings take?
Deportation proceedings could last months or even years, due to the immigration courts' significant backlog of 3.6 million cases.