Immigrants Without Criminal Records Now the Largest Group in US ICE Detention

In a striking shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, individuals without any criminal record have become the largest group held in detention centers operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to recently released government data, 16,523 people with no criminal history are currently detained, surpassing the 15,725 who have prior convictions and the 13,767 facing pending charges.

This development comes as ICE continues to ramp up operations amid ongoing debates over border security and deportation policies. The numbers reflect arrests made primarily at the border or through interior enforcement actions, where many individuals are held while their immigration cases are processed. Experts note that the majority of those without records are often asylum seekers or migrants apprehended during routine encounters, rather than those involved in criminal activities.

The data underscores broader trends in the immigration system, including overcrowded facilities and prolonged detention periods that can strain resources and raise humanitarian concerns. Advocacy groups have long argued that detaining non-criminal immigrants—many fleeing violence or seeking better opportunities—diverts attention from serious threats and imposes unnecessary burdens on families and communities.

While ICE maintains that detention is necessary for public safety and to ensure court appearances, this latest statistic prompts questions about the agency's priorities. As policymakers discuss potential reforms, the human stories behind these numbers remind us of the real lives caught in the gears of enforcement.

For more details, read the original reporting from The Guardian.