A recent data release has revealed that the Biden administration is allowing hundreds of thousands of criminal migrants, including individuals convicted of murder, to remain free within the United States. According to information shared by Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-TX), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are currently overseeing 662,566 noncitizens with criminal histories, including 13,099 convicted of murder and 222,141 facing criminal charges. The data, provided in response to Gonzalez’s request, raises concerns about the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
ICE data shows that 425,431 of these noncitizens have already been convicted of crimes, yet they remain in American communities rather than in detention. Additionally, 226,847 are currently facing criminal charges, but are not detained. This has sparked criticism that the government is not using its full capacity of detention beds, with reports suggesting that up to 41,000 beds remain unused.
The issue has become politically charged, particularly with Vice President Kamala Harris facing criticism ahead of a scheduled speech where she is expected to address the administration’s border policies. Donald Trump, who has consistently criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of immigration, pointed directly at Harris, claiming that the release of dangerous criminals makes her unfit for the presidency.
In March 2021, Harris reportedly declined to take on full control of migration policy, which has since been handled by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Critics argue that Mayorkas has relaxed immigration enforcement, allowing millions of legal, illegal, and quasi-legal migrants to enter the country, in part to support the Biden administration’s economic agenda, which favors low-wage jobs filled by migrant workers.
The release of this data adds to the growing political tension over immigration policy, with both sides of the political spectrum using the information to shape the narrative ahead of the 2024 presidential election. As the administration faces mounting pressure to address the influx of migrants and its handling of criminal cases, this issue is set to play a central role in the ongoing debate over border security and immigration reform.
