Newly released data has revealed that a large number of illegal immigrants with criminal charges or convictions are not being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and this development has caused considerable frustration among Republicans, particularly in light of a significant increase in individuals placed on the non-detained docket.

According to the data, over 7.4 million individuals are currently on the non-detained docket, up from 3.7 million in 2021, yet the White House has remained silent in response to the growing chorus of outrage, as Fox News reports.

The migrants in question are either undergoing removal proceedings or have been issued final removal orders, but they remain outside of ICE detention. Among them are hundreds of thousands of convicted criminals and individuals with pending charges.

Growing Numbers Spark Republican Outcry

The release of the aforementioned statistics has led to an outcry from Republican lawmakers, who blame the Biden administration's immigration policies for the surge in non-detained immigrants. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who obtained the data, described the situation as "beyond disturbing," calling it a wake-up call for the administration.

In particular, Gonzales expressed concern over the large number of immigrants with serious criminal records not being detained. According to the data, 425,431 individuals with criminal convictions, including violent crimes such as homicide, assault, and sexual assault, are not currently in ICE custody. Gonzales also highlighted the 222,141 immigrants with pending criminal charges, calling for a more aggressive approach to deporting those with criminal records.

Criminal Convictions and Pending Charges

The details provided by ICE show alarming numbers of individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges. Of those not in detention, 62,231 individuals have been convicted of assault, 14,301 of burglary, and 56,533 of drug-related crimes. The data also revealed that 13,099 individuals have been convicted of homicide, while 15,811 have been found guilty of sexual assault.

On the side of pending charges, there are 1,845 individuals facing homicide charges, along with 42,915 charged with assault and 4,250 charged with sexual assault. These numbers have intensified the debate over the administration’s handling of immigration enforcement.

Historical Context: Non-Detained Docket Growth

To understand the magnitude of the current situation, it is worth noting that the non-detained docket was significantly smaller in previous years. In August 2016, there were approximately 2.2 million noncitizens on the non-detained docket, with 368,574 of them being convicted criminals. The substantial rise to over 7.4 million individuals in 2024 reflects a dramatic change in the handling of undocumented immigrants.

Critics have attributed this shift to the Biden administration’s policies, specifically its rollback of Trump's restrictions on "catch and release." These policies, which limited the release of immigrants pending their immigration proceedings, have been cited by Republicans as contributing to the crisis at the southern border.

ICE and White House Responses

ICE has defended its handling of immigration enforcement, noting the challenges posed by local jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities due to "sanctuary" policies. These policies, ICE claims, often shield dangerous criminals from deportation. "Sanctuary policies can end up shielding dangerous criminals," ICE said in a statement, adding that the safety of communities is at stake.

The White House has largely remained silent on the specific data released, but a spokesperson pointed to Congressional Republicans, accusing them of blocking meaningful immigration reforms. "Congressional Republicans had an opportunity to support the fairest and toughest set of reforms in decades," the spokesperson said, blaming them for not taking action to fix the system.

Calls for Action from Lawmakers

Amid the rising concerns, some lawmakers are pushing for immediate action. Rep. Gonzales has emphasized the need to prioritize deporting noncitizens with criminal records. "It’s time for Washington to move past rhetoric and toward results," he said. Gonzales also urged the administration to engage with sanctuary city mayors and encourage them to reverse policies that hinder cooperation with ICE.

Similarly, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green called the release of illegal immigrants into the U.S. "madness" and questioned the rationale behind such policies. "The release of illegal immigrants into the U.S. defies all common sense," Green stated, echoing concerns about the impact on community safety.

Efforts to Address the Border Crisis

While critics of the administration continue to push for stricter immigration policies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has highlighted the actions taken over the past year. From mid-May 2023 through July 2024, DHS reported the removal or return of over 893,600 individuals, including more than 138,300 individuals in family units.

However, Republicans argue that these efforts are insufficient to stem the growing crisis. They point to the significant number of individuals who remain on the non-detained docket as evidence of a systemic failure in immigration enforcement.

Conclusion: A Call for Reform Amid Growing Concerns

The new data showing a steep increase in non-detained immigrants, particularly those with criminal charges or convictions, has sparked outrage and debate over the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

As the number of individuals on the non-detained docket continues to grow, Republican lawmakers are calling for immediate reforms to enhance community safety.

While ICE and the administration have defended their actions, critics argue that more must be done to address what they see as a mounting crisis at the southern border.

As Congress considers new reforms, the debate over immigration enforcement remains a critical issue in U.S. politics.