ICE Deportations Surge to Highest Level in a Decade, Exceeding Trump Era Levels

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency witnessed a dramatic rise in deportations this fiscal year, reaching numbers not seen in ten years. These findings, shared in a recent report, indicate that the Biden administration surpassed deportation figures achieved during the height of the Trump presidency.

In fiscal year 2024, ICE reported deporting over 271,000 undocumented individuals. The last time the agency recorded such high numbers was during the Obama administration in 2014, which saw 316,000 deportations. The federal fiscal year runs from October through September.

While the upcoming Trump administration has declared intentions to embark on what could be the most extensive deportation campaign ever, recent statistics show Biden's final year saw a rapid increase in deportations.

Factors Contributing to the Increase

Back in 2021, a significant decline occurred with only 59,000 deportations as the Biden administration took office. This drop was heavily influenced by the global pandemic and new policies that protected many undocumented immigrants unless they posed significant threats.

However, numbers began climbing again with 72,000 in 2022 and escalating to 143,000 by 2023. This change was due to a rise in immigration at the southern border and reduced reliance on the Title 42 health measure that previously allowed quick expulsions under public health laws.

Impact of Border Initiatives on Deportation Figures

ICE attributed the sharp rise in deportations to revamped procedures that expedited the deportation process and diplomatic efforts to gain cooperation from other nations for accepting deportees. Increased flights facilitated the return of migrants to nations in both Latin America and countries like China, which hadn't accepted deportees for an extended period.

The majority of deportations in 2024 involved individuals caught at the border, comprising 82% of the total, as opposed to those ICE apprehended internally. The rise in removals at the U.S.-Mexico border was due to new asylum limitations under Biden and heightened efforts by Mexico to curb migrant crossings.

Challenges for the Incoming Administration

Despite the uptick in deportations, ICE faces a significant case backlog, with nearly 7.7 million non-detained immigrants awaiting proceedings by the end of 2024. This figure reflects massive migrant releases during Biden’s presidency and the subsequent policy shifts.

Trump's administration plans to initiate comprehensive deportations starting January 20. This initiative will primarily target those with criminal records and individuals who have existing deportation orders.

Potential Measures to Accomplish Large-Scale Deportations

To conduct the ambitious deportation goals proposed, ICE requires increased resources. The agency's present capacity includes 41,000 detention beds and around 6,000 officers for deportations.

Suggestions have been made to involve the Department of Defense resources, such as military aircraft, to support deportations. Proposals also include deputizing National Guard members to aid in immigration law enforcement across the U.S.

Additional Notes on Immigration Policy

Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports for CBS News on the developments and political aspects of immigration, providing insights from his base in Washington.