ICE reports deportations rise to 10-year high

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that they deported over 270,000 people to 192 countries during the 2024 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, marking the highest number of deportations since 2014, when ICE reported 315,943 removals.

The increase of deportations in 2024 also marks a 90 percent increase from the 2023 fiscal year and 276 percent increase from 2022.

The annual ICE report, released Thursday, attributes this to a variety of factors, including increased deportation flights, with some of the taking place on weekends; and streamlined travel procedures for those sent to Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

The highest number of deportations ICE reached during Trump’s first term in the White House was 267,258 in 2019.

ICE reported that of the 271,484 removals, nearly 33 percent of those removed had a criminal history. They reported 47,885 assault charges, 16,225 sexual assaults or sex-related charges, 10,862 weapons offenses and 9,453 burglaries.

The number of unaccompanied children removed also increased by 93.3 percent, from 212 in 2023 to 411 in 2024. The number in 2019 was 6,351.

Mexico was the most common destination for deportees, with 87,298 removals, followed by Guatemala and Honduras, with 66,435 and 45,923 removals, respectively.

ICE made 113,431 arrests during the 2024 fiscal year, marking a 34 percent decrease from 170,590 in 2023.

The agency reported 46,612 arrests for crossing the border illegally from Mexico in November and 56,526 in October alone. This is a decrease from the 250,000 arrests in December 2023.

Immigration was a hot topic on the 2024 presidential election, with President-elect Trump promising mass deportations during his time in office. Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s declared “border czar,” recently said he would need a significant increase in ICE agents to successfully undertake the president-elect’s plans.

"On day one, President Trump will fix the immigration and national security nightmare that Joe Biden created by launching the largest mass deportation operation of illegal criminals in United States history," Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told The Hill.

The Hill has reached out to Biden’s team for comment.

— Updated at 12:19 p.m.

Topics

Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak

ICE deported more than a quarter-million unauthorized immigrants in fiscal year 2024, the highest tally in a decade.
CBS News - 10h
US deportations under Biden rose to decade high, outpacing Trump years

Trump spokesperson points to high number of illegal crossings and reiterates plans for mass deportations. The US deported more than 270,000 immigrants in a recent 12-month period, the highest ...
The Guardian - 21h
Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak

ICE deported more than a quarter-million unauthorized immigrants in fiscal year 2024, the highest tally in a decade.
CBS News - 1d
Trump border czar: 100K beds, more ICE agents needed for deportations

Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s declared “border czar,” says he would need at least 100,000 detention beds and a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to successfully ...
The Hill - 1d
ICE faces budget shortage that could delay Trump's mass deportation plans

ICE is already dealing with a $230 million budget shortfall, even before the costs that will be associated with mass deportations
NBC News - 2d
Ether may finally rise to record high next year, after lagging behind bitcoin

While ether has been lagging behind bitcoin, the second-largest crypto by market capitalization could hit a record high above $5,000 next year if its current demand-and-supply dynamics continue, ...
MarketWatch - 5d
Deportations reach five-year high despite concerns of rights groups

Campaigners fear lives could be put at risk as government sets record number of deportations. The government has announced that it has deported almost 13,500 people since coming to power, something ...
The Guardian - 6d
Trump pick to head ICE is agency vet who will be able to start deportation effort on day one

Caleb Vitello, who has decades of experience with ICE, has been tapped as acting director of the agency
NBC News - Dec. 9
The ultimate guide to Seoul—from high-rises to hiking

Yahoo News - Dec. 4