Officials at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement saw their immigration workload saw a significant increase in the past year. The growth can be traced to a record number of migrants coming to the southern border.
A recent federal report documenting activity from October 1st, 2021, to September 30th, 2022, revealed that the surge resulted in nearly five million immigrants in the U.S. who are now facing deportation in the new year. The number represents a 29 percent increase from the same time last year.
Removals on the rise
ICE is responsible not only for civil and criminal law enforcement but more well known for detaining and deporting immigrants on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security. Over time, border enforcement became the priority to help Customs and Border Protection officers in processing recent arrivals. Their options are to deport or allow them in the country pending an immigration court hearing.
In the last fiscal year, Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested more than 140,000 migrants, a near 100 percent increase. Nearly 47,000 had criminal histories, a number that has stayed consistent following the 2020s 90 thousand-plus.
Deportations to Mexico and other countries slightly exceeded 72,000. More than one million were deported due to Title 42, the pandemic public health order, a classification not considered formal deportations.
ICE leaders claim to be committed to the humane processing of migrants and enforcing laws. Former leadership places the blame on Congress’ failure to revise existing laws during a time when approximately 6,000 officers responsible for cases numbering in the millions.
