There are around 1.4 million illegal immigrants in the United States who have been ordered deported by federal immigration judges. Out of these, approximately 13,000 individuals are currently in custody with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE). The actual number of individuals held in custody by local or state authorities is unknown. Despite having been ordered to leave the country, thousands of illegal immigrants remain in the U.S. Figures may vary over time as more individuals are ordered deported while others are successfully removed from the country. President Trump has pledged to conduct mass deportations, starting with criminal illegal immigrants, once he assumes office on January 20th. Texas has offered land near the border to assist with the mass deportation operation.
In response to Trump’s plans for mass deportations, some cities have declared themselves as sanctuary cities and vowed to protect illegal immigrants from raids by federal immigration authorities. Los Angeles recently passed a sanctuary city ordinance, with the Los Angeles Unified School District also approving a vote to become a sanctuary district. This means that district employees are prohibited from voluntarily cooperating with immigration authorities and sharing information about students’ immigration status. Sanctuary cities have faced criticism from ICE for not assisting with immigration enforcement, particularly when illegal immigrant criminals commit additional crimes after being released from local custody.
The 1.4 million figure represents illegal immigrants who have had their immigration cases heard and decided. Some individuals may still have appeal options available to them. This number includes illegal immigrants from various backgrounds and spans across multiple presidential administrations. The issue of illegal immigration and deportation has been a contentious topic in the United States, and the upcoming administration’s policies will likely have significant implications for the immigrant population. Trump’s promise of mass deportations has sparked debate and action from both supporters and opponents of stricter immigration enforcement.
ICE has raised concerns about sanctuary city jurisdictions not cooperating with immigration authorities, especially when criminal illegal immigrants reoffend or commit serious crimes after being released from local custody. The tension between federal and local authorities regarding immigration enforcement policies has persisted for years and continues to be a point of contention. The actions taken by cities and states to protect illegal immigrants from deportation highlight the deep divide on how immigration should be handled in the United States. As the new administration prepares to take office, the debate over immigration policy and the treatment of illegal immigrants is likely to intensify.
