Data released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this week revealed a concerning number of illegal aliens in the United States with criminal backgrounds. According to ICE Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, as of July 21, 2024, there were 662,566 noncitizens on ICE's national docket, with 435,719 convicted criminals and 226,847 individuals with pending criminal charges.
Among the most alarming findings were the significant number of convicted criminals not detained due to sanctuary policies in Democrat-run cities. These individuals included those convicted of crimes such as arson, assault, burglary, dangerous drugs, fraud, homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, and weapon offenses.
Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) pointed to the Biden-Harris administration's policies as the root cause of the high numbers of criminal illegal aliens in the country. Gonzales emphasized the need for action to address the issue, calling on the administration to prioritize the safety of American citizens over political rhetoric.
Gonzales expressed his commitment to ensuring ICE has the necessary resources to deport noncitizens with criminal records, stressing the importance of holding the administration accountable for the consequences of its policies. He urged the administration to work with sanctuary city mayors to reverse course and prioritize the safety of Americans.
The release of this data comes as Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit the southern border, where she is responsible for the administration's immigration policies. The numbers serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by illegal immigration and the need for effective solutions to address the issue.