Newly released data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows a startling increase in the number of illegal immigrants with serious criminal records residing in the U.S. As of July 2024, ICE reported that 662,566 noncitizens with criminal backgrounds are on its national docket, with 435,719 convicted criminals among them.
ICE Report Highlights Criminal Convictions
The ICE data, shared by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), provides a detailed breakdown of the criminal records of noncitizens. Convictions among illegal immigrants who are not detained due to sanctuary policies include:
- Arson: 792
- Assault: 62,231
- Burglary: 14,301
- Dangerous Drugs: 56,533
- Fraud: 15,979
- Homicide: 13,099
- Kidnapping: 2,521
- Sexual Assault: 15,811
- Weapon Offenses: 13,423
Pressure on Harris Amidst Border Crisis
Rep. Gonzales directly blamed President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the influx of criminal aliens, stating that their failure to secure the border has led to this disturbing rise. Harris, who has been tasked with leading the administration’s border policies, is under growing scrutiny as millions of illegal immigrants, including many with criminal records, continue to enter the country.
Harris’s first significant visit to the southern border is seen by many as an attempt to repair the administration’s image on immigration.
Criticism of Sanctuary Policies
Gonzales also criticized sanctuary city policies, which he claims allow dangerous individuals to remain in the country. “It’s time for Washington to move past rhetoric and toward results,” Gonzales said, adding that he would push for more resources for ICE to deport noncitizens with criminal records.
Harris Deflects to Trump
During her visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Harris sought to strike a balance between humane immigration policies and enhanced border security. In response to the ICE data and ongoing criticism, she deflected blame onto former President Donald Trump, accusing him of failing to fix the legal immigration system during his presidency.
“Donald Trump tanked [the immigration reform package],” Harris said. “He prefers to run on a problem instead of fixing it.”
While Harris attempted to project a tougher stance on immigration, many critics view her efforts as too little, too late, as Republicans continue to hammer the administration on border security failures.
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