US Deportations of Immigrants Reach Highest Level Since 2014
Rise in Deportations Amid Broader Push to Reduce Illegal Immigration
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has deported a record number of immigrants to 192 countries, with a total of 271,000 individuals deported in fiscal year 2024, which ended on September 30. This marks the highest level of deportations since 2014, according to a US government report released on Thursday.
Biden’s Enforcement Approach
Outgoing President Joe Biden, a Democrat, took office in 2021 pledging to roll back Trump’s more restrictive immigration policies. However, he struggled with high levels of illegal immigration and gradually toughened his enforcement approach. The 271,000 deportations in fiscal year 2024 are the highest since Biden took office and higher than any year of President-elect Donald Trump’s 2017-2021 administration.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Trump, a Republican, won another term in the White House in November promising to deport record numbers of immigrants in the US illegally as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Biden’s deportations were insignificant compared to the high levels of illegal immigration during his presidency. "On day one, President Trump will fix the immigration and national security nightmare that Joe Biden created by launching the largest mass deportation operation of illegal criminals in US history," she said.
Illegal Immigration Figures
Some 11 million immigrants lacked legal status or had temporary protections in 2022, according to government and think-tank estimates. This figure is now estimated to be between 13 million and 14 million. The incoming Trump administration plans to tap resources across the federal government to power the planned deportation initiative, Reuters reported last month.
Deportations Under Trump
Trump tried to increase deportations during his first term with limited success. ICE removed 267,000 immigrants in fiscal year 2019, fewer than most years under Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama. When looking at both deportations by ICE and returns to Mexico by US border authorities, Biden had more in fiscal 2023 than any Trump year.
Decline in ICE Arrests
While deportations rose in fiscal year 2024, the number of ICE arrests of immigrants living in the US illegally dropped by 33% compared with the previous year, the agency’s annual report said. This decline was attributed to more officers assisting with border security operations.
Conclusion
The rise in deportations amid a broader push to reduce illegal immigration reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the US immigration system. As the country grapples with these issues, it is essential to strike a balance between enforcement and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current number of undocumented immigrants in the US?
A: The estimate ranges from 11 million to 14 million.
Q: How many immigrants were deported in fiscal year 2024?
A: 271,000 immigrants were deported to 192 countries.
Q: Has the number of deportations increased under President Biden?
A: Yes, the number of deportations has increased under President Biden, with 271,000 deportations in fiscal year 2024, the highest level since 2014.
Q: What is the Trump administration’s plan for deportations?
A: The incoming Trump administration plans to tap resources across the federal government to power the planned deportation initiative.