Controversy Over Immigrant Criminal Data Reemerges

Recent claims by right-wing media and Republican figures, including former President Trump, have misrepresented data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding noncitizens with criminal histories. They allege that the Biden administration has allowed thousands of serious offenders, including murderers and rapists, into the United States. However, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that the data spans decades, and many individuals cited are already incarcerated or have been in the U.S. long before Biden took office. The figures include individuals not in ICE custody but detained by local authorities, which has been overlooked in the narratives presented by critics. The distinction between those currently in custody and those under ICE supervision is crucial, as many cannot be deported due to various legal barriers. This issue has become a significant talking point in the current political landscape as immigration remains a contentious topic ahead of the elections.