Less Than 10% of Immigrants in ICE Custody Have Serious Criminal Convictions

Key Takeaways

• Since October 2024, under 10% of immigrants in ICE custody had serious criminal convictions.
• Over 75% had no criminal conviction aside from immigration or traffic offenses during this time.
• More than 185,000 immigrants were booked into ICE custody from October 2024 to May 2025.

Federal Data Shows Most Immigrants in ICE Custody Lack Serious Criminal Convictions

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Since October 2024, new internal data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows that less than 10% of immigrants taken into ICE custody had serious criminal convictions. These convictions include crimes like murder, assault, robbery, or rape. Over 75% of immigrants booked into ICE custody during this period had no criminal conviction other than immigration or traffic-related offenses. This information covers more than 185,000 people detained from October 2024 through May 2025, including those first held by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and later transferred to ICE custody.

This finding is important because it challenges common beliefs about who is being detained by ICE. While the government says it focuses on people who are threats to public safety, most people in ICE custody do not have serious criminal backgrounds. This raises questions about current enforcement priorities, the use of detention, and the impact on families and communities.

Key Findings and Supporting Details

• Less than 10% of immigrants in ICE custody since October 2024 had serious criminal convictions.
• Over 75% had no criminal conviction other than immigration or traffic-related offenses.
• More than 185,000 immigrants were booked into ICE custody between October 2024 and May 2025.
• The data includes people detained at the border by CBP and later transferred to ICE.

ICE Detention Policy and Recent Changes

ICE’s official policy is to prioritize the removal of people who are threats to public safety, national security, or border security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE say they focus on the “worst of the worst,” such as gang members, murderers, and rapists. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, pointed to data from President Trump’s first 100 days, when 75% of ICE arrests were of “criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges.” However, she did not provide similar data for the current administration.

Despite these statements, the latest numbers show that most people in ICE custody do not have serious criminal convictions. This suggests a gap between public statements and what is happening in practice.

How the ICE Detention Process Works

To understand who ends up in ICE custody, it helps to look at the step-by-step process:

1. Apprehension:
   • People may be picked up by ICE or CBP at the border or inside the United States 🇺🇸.
2. Booking into Custody:
   • After being detained, individuals are booked into ICE custody. Their criminal and immigration history is checked.
3. Assessment:
   • ICE decides if the person is a flight risk (likely to run away) or a threat to public safety.
4. Detention or Alternatives:
   • High-risk individuals are held in ICE detention centers.
   • Low-risk individuals may be placed in alternatives to detention (ATD), such as electronic monitoring or case management.
5. Removal Proceedings:
   • People may have to go before an immigration judge to decide if they can stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
6. Release or Removal:
   • Some are released on bond or parole, while others are removed (deported) from the country.

What Are Alternatives to Detention?

Alternatives to detention (ATD) are ways to keep track of people without holding them in a detention center. These include:

• Electronic monitoring: Using ankle bracelets or phone check-ins to track location.
• Case management: Assigning a caseworker to help the person follow immigration rules and attend court dates.
• Community-based supervision: Working with local groups to support immigrants as they go through the legal process.

ICE has increased the use of these alternatives, especially for people who are not considered a flight risk or a threat to public safety. This shift is meant to be more cost-effective and humane. However, some advocates say that even alternatives like electronic monitoring can be stressful and feel like punishment.

Statistics and Trends: Who Is in ICE Custody?

Here’s a summary of the most recent data:

This table shows that the number of people in ICE custody is high, but only a small portion have serious criminal convictions. The trend has been consistent over the past few years.

Government and Advocacy Group Perspectives

Government Viewpoint

ICE and DHS say their main goal is to protect public safety and national security. They argue that detaining and removing people with serious criminal convictions is necessary to keep communities safe. According to ICE, their enforcement actions are supposed to focus on the most dangerous individuals.

Advocacy Group Concerns

Groups like the National Immigrant Justice Center point out that most people in ICE custody are not serious criminals. They argue that detaining people whose only offense is an immigration violation is unnecessary and can harm families and communities. These groups call for more use of alternatives to detention and less reliance on holding people in detention centers.

Public Safety vs. Civil Liberties

This debate is about finding the right balance between protecting the public and respecting the rights of immigrants. The government says detention is needed for safety, but advocates say it often affects people who are not dangerous. Many people in ICE custody have families, jobs, and strong ties to their communities.

Transparency and Data Availability

ICE has started sharing more data and statistics on its website, including dashboards that show trends in arrests, detentions, removals, and alternatives to detention. This is meant to make the process more open and allow the public to see how enforcement is working. However, some groups say the data should be even more detailed and updated more often to allow for better oversight.

You can find official ICE statistics and dashboards on the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics page.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

Over the years, ICE has detained hundreds of thousands of people each year. The number of people detained and the focus of enforcement have changed depending on who is president and what policies are in place. Some administrations have focused on removing all undocumented immigrants, while others have targeted those with criminal convictions.

In recent years, there has been a push to use more alternatives to detention and to be more transparent about who is being detained and why. This is partly in response to criticism from advocacy groups and the public.

Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for the Future?

The fact that most people in ICE custody do not have serious criminal convictions could lead to changes in policy. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for:

• Reducing the use of detention: Focusing detention on people who are real threats to public safety.
• Expanding alternatives to detention: Using electronic monitoring, case management, and community support for low-risk individuals.
• Improving transparency: Making more data available to the public and ensuring oversight of ICE actions.
• Reassessing enforcement priorities: Making sure resources are used to target the most serious threats, not people whose only offense is an immigration violation.

There are ongoing debates in Congress about how much money should go to detention centers versus alternatives, and what the main goals of immigration enforcement should be.

Impact on Stakeholders

For Immigrants and Families

• Many people in ICE custody are separated from their families, even if they have no serious criminal record.
• Detention can cause stress, financial hardship, and emotional pain for families.
• Alternatives to detention can help keep families together but may still involve restrictions and monitoring.

For Employers and Communities

• When workers are detained, businesses can lose valuable employees.
• Communities may feel less safe or more divided when large numbers of people are detained or deported.
• Some local governments work with ICE, while others try to limit cooperation to protect residents.

For Advocacy Groups

• Advocacy groups use data to push for policy changes and to support people in detention.
• They argue for more humane treatment and for focusing enforcement on real threats.

For Government Agencies

• ICE and DHS must balance public safety with respecting civil liberties.
• They face pressure from both sides: some want stricter enforcement, while others want more humane policies.

Common Questions and Answers

Why are most ICE detainees not serious criminals?

Most people in ICE custody are there because of immigration violations, not because they committed serious crimes. This is partly due to how enforcement works at the border and inside the country. Many people are detained after crossing the border or after being stopped for minor offenses.

What are alternatives to detention?

Alternatives to detention include electronic monitoring (like ankle bracelets), case management (having a caseworker help the person follow rules), and community-based programs. These are used for people who are not likely to run away or pose a danger to others.

How can I find information about a detainee?

You can use the ICE Detention Facility Locator to find information about someone in ICE custody.

What happens after someone is detained by ICE?

After being detained, a person’s case is reviewed. They may be released, placed in alternatives to detention, or kept in a detention center. They may have to go before an immigration judge, and could be released or removed from the United States 🇺🇸.

What rights do detainees have?

Detainees have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and the right to legal representation (though not provided by the government). They can also request bond or parole in some cases.

Ongoing Debates and Future Outlook

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over ICE custody and the detention of immigrants with or without serious criminal convictions is likely to continue. Some policymakers want stricter enforcement and more detention, while others push for more humane approaches and alternatives. The latest data may lead to changes in how ICE uses its resources and who it targets for detention.

ICE is expected to keep expanding its data dashboards and reporting, making it easier for the public to see what is happening. Advocacy groups will likely keep pushing for more transparency, less detention, and better treatment for immigrants.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• For families and individuals: If you or someone you know is in ICE custody, check the ICE Detention Facility Locator for information and contact a legal aid organization for help.
• For advocates: Use the latest data to support calls for policy changes and to help people in detention.
• For policymakers: Consider the impact of detention on families and communities, and look at alternatives that are more humane and cost-effective.
• For the public: Stay informed by checking official ICE statistics and following updates from both government and advocacy groups.

Conclusion

The latest internal ICE data shows that most immigrants in ICE custody since October 2024 do not have serious criminal convictions. This challenges common beliefs about who is being detained and raises important questions about enforcement priorities, the use of detention, and the impact on families and communities. As the debate continues, transparency, oversight, and a balanced approach will be key to shaping future immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → U.S. agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including detention and removal of undocumented individuals.
Serious criminal conviction → A legal judgment for severe crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, or rape.
Alternatives to detention → Programs like electronic monitoring or case management that avoid holding immigrants in detention centers.
Booking into custody → The process of officially detaining and registering someone arrested by immigration authorities.
Immigration judge → A federal judge who decides on immigration cases, including deportation and relief eligibility.

This Article in a Nutshell

New ICE data reveals most detained immigrants lack serious criminal records, challenging enforcement claims focused only on dangerous individuals. Over 185,000 were booked since October 2024, with alternatives to detention increasing amid calls for humane reforms.
— By VisaVerge.com