Immigration Arrests: Who's Really Getting Caught?
Ramped Up Enforcement, Surprising Results
In recent times, immigration enforcement has intensified in major cities, with the stated goal of targeting immigrants with criminal records. However, the outcomes have been unexpected.
More than half of those arrested in high-profile operations had no criminal history at all.
This figure is significantly higher than the nationwide average of about a third.
Disruption and Criticism
These operations have caused considerable disruption, sparking protests and criticism. Local leaders argue that these actions have not enhanced safety. In fact:
- Less than 30% of those arrested had any criminal convictions.
- Only a tiny fraction had been convicted of violent crimes.
- Most non-violent convictions were for minor offenses like driving under the influence.
Data and Analysis
The data, sourced from a lawsuit and analyzed by a research project, covers every immigration arrest and detention up to mid-October. The analysis focused on periods of intense federal operations, although it's unclear if all Border Patrol arrests were included.
National Trends
Nationwide, the share of immigrants with criminal convictions arrested by ICE has dropped from 46% at the start of the term to 28% in mid-October. Arrests of people with past violent convictions have also decreased.
Historical Context
Historically, ICE collaborated with local law enforcement to arrest immigrants after they served their sentences. Under the current administration, ICE arrests have surged, particularly outside of these programs. In some states and Washington, D.C., most of those detained had no criminal record.
Arrest Locations and Methods
People have been arrested in raids, at checkpoints, and even outside schools. In September, when operations began in Massachusetts and Chicago, arrests of individuals without a criminal history spiked. This followed the Supreme Court's allowance for immigration officers to use race and ethnicity in street stops.
Official Claims vs. Data
Officials have branded these operations with catchy names and posted videos of raids, claiming to target dangerous criminals. However, the data tells a different story:
- In Illinois: Only 54 people with violent convictions were arrested, compared to 78 with past convictions for traffic offenses.
- In Washington, D.C.: ICE arrested just 10 people with violent convictions during a month of local police cooperation.
Effectiveness Under Scrutiny
The data raises critical questions about the effectiveness of these operations. Are they truly targeting the most dangerous criminals, or are they casting too wide a net?
