ICE deports over 271,000 illegal aliens in fiscal year 2024, including hundreds of suspected terrorists and thousands of gang members.
At a Glance
- ICE deportations surge to 271,484 in fiscal year 2024, highest in nearly a decade
- 237 known or suspected terrorists and 3,706 gang members deported
- Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras top the list of deportation destinations
- Successful diplomatic relations and enhanced repatriation negotiations credited for increase
Record-Breaking Deportations
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported a significant surge in deportations for fiscal year 2024. From October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, ICE removed 271,484 illegal immigrants, sending them back to 192 countries. This marks the highest number of deportations since President Biden took office in 2021 and surpasses the peak seen during Trump’s first term in 2019.
The dramatic increase in deportations highlights a shift in immigration enforcement strategies and successful diplomatic efforts. Among those deported were 237 known or suspected terrorists, 3,706 known or suspected gang members, and 88,763 individuals with criminal histories. These numbers underscore ICE’s focus on removing individuals who pose potential threats to national security and public safety.
Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak. https://t.co/UCsEpEoenR
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 20, 2024
Top Deportation Destinations
The majority of deportations were to countries in Central America and Mexico. Specifically, Mexico received the highest number of deportees at 87,298, followed by Guatemala with 66,435, Honduras with 45,923, and El Salvador with 15,284. This concentration of deportations to neighboring countries reflects the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration from the region and the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties with these nations.
“Our federal law enforcement officers, special agents, mission support staff, and others are always tasked with doing more despite having fewer resources at our disposal,” said ICE Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner.
Despite resource limitations, ICE has managed to increase its operational efficiency. This success is attributed to several factors, including reduced advance mission notification times, weekend manifests, and expanded participation in the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) program. These improvements have streamlined the deportation process, allowing for more effective enforcement of immigration laws.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Cooperation
The surge in deportations is largely due to successful repatriation negotiations with countries in the Western Hemisphere. ICE has worked diligently to improve diplomatic relations and secure cooperation from various nations in accepting their deported citizens. This diplomatic success has been crucial in facilitating the removal of illegal immigrants and ensuring they are returned to their countries of origin.
In a notable development, ICE arranged the first large charter removal flight to China since 2018. This breakthrough demonstrates the agency’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration from all regions and its ability to navigate complex international relations to achieve its objectives.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the increase in deportations signifies progress in immigration enforcement, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by ICE and the broader immigration system. The agency continues to grapple with limited resources and the need to balance enforcement priorities with humanitarian considerations.
As ICE moves forward, it will likely continue to focus on removing individuals who pose threats to national security and public safety. The agency’s ability to maintain and expand diplomatic relationships with other countries will be crucial in sustaining these deportation efforts. Additionally, ongoing debates about immigration policy and resource allocation will shape the future landscape of immigration enforcement in the United States.
