A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) internal document confirms that nearly 60 percent of migrants apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during President Donald J. Trump’s first year in office had prior criminal charges or convictions.
The report underscores a significant pattern: a large majority of individuals detained under ICE operations have criminal histories. Initial reporting suggested that only about 14 percent of approximately 400,000 undocumented migrants had violent criminal convictions—representing roughly 56,000 individuals—but this figure was likely reduced by plea deals. Such arrangements often involve suspects initially arrested for multiple offenses, including violent crimes, agreeing to admit to less serious charges in exchange for lighter penalties.
The Trump White House characterized these statistics as misrepresented, asserting that non-violent offenses encompass serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, child pornography, fraud, DUI, and burglary. The administration also claimed the actual percentage of arrested migrants with prior criminal convictions stands at approximately 70 percent, not 60 percent.
The White House reiterated its stance: “They’re CRIMINALS and they’re NOT welcome here.”
Additionally, the document highlights that crossing the U.S. border illegally constitutes a criminal offense, meaning any migrant entering through such means is already in violation of federal law. While overstaying a visa is a civil matter, it frequently coincides with criminal activities, including willful tax evasion.
