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Other experts have pointed out that the ICE data spans decades and is not solely reflective of recent policies.

 Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, noted that many individuals on the non-detained docket have lived in the U.S. for decades.

These numbers have not been adjusted for a number of people that may have been arrested for crimes committed here.

 Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute also emphasized that some of the criminal convictions listed in the report include cases going back many years.

Despite these perspectives, the scale of the problem remains alarming. 

A statement from Mark Green said, "It may be shocking to hear that the Biden-Harris administration is actively releasing tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens into our communities, but their own numbers conclusively prove this to be the case. This defies all common sense."

Lechleitner clarified that while ICE is required by law to hold certain noncitizens during deportation proceedings, most individuals convicted of homicide are ineligible for release.

Crisis by Design

The Biden-Harris administration is facing criticism for having one of the lowest deportation rates in 30 years. 

A recent report titled "Crisis by Design" from the House Committee on Homeland Security highlights the challenges faced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in vetting illegal aliens entering the country. Former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott described the vetting process under the current administration as a "check-the-box exercise."

Between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, the Border Patrol made more than 53,000 arrests of illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds—30,000 more than during fiscal years 2017 through 2020. 

In October 2023 alone, the Border Patrol was apprehending over 47 individuals per day with serious criminal histories. Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle from the Yuma Sector also noted that the agency encounters people who have committed almost every crime imaginable.

Border Visits 

The release of the ICE data coincides with Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. 

During her brief visit, she spent around 12 minutes speaking with border patrol officials. 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Harris wrote, "President Biden and I supported the toughest and fairest set of bipartisan border security reforms in decades. Congressional Republicans voted against them—twice." 

She also claimed that unlawful border crossings are now lower than when she and President Biden took office. This does not match the data submitted during that time period.