A recent report submitted to Congress by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals a sharp decline in the removal of convicted criminal aliens during the first three fiscal years of the Biden administration (FY2021-2023). According to the report, more than 662,000 non-citizens with criminal records are currently on ICE’s docket, with over 425,000 of them not in detention but released into the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending.

Of the individuals on the non-detained ICE docket, 425,431 are convicted criminals, and 22,141 are facing pending charges. Some of the most concerning numbers include over 13,000 individuals convicted of homicide. Similarly, over 15,000 individuals convicted of sexual assault offenses are also at large.

The ICE report sheds light on an alarming discrepancy: despite having the capacity to detain 41,500 individuals at any given time, ICE is currently detaining fewer than 15,000, leaving the majority of convicted criminals free within U.S. communities. These statistics come amid growing debate over the Biden administration’s immigration policies, which critics argue have led to increased crime and security risks. In contrast, the administration has defended its approach, stating that compassion and equity are central to its immigration policies.

Despite ICE’s assurances that “most” convicted murderers are not eligible for release, the data reveals that many serious offenders, including those convicted of homicide, kidnapping, and assault, remain at large. This raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of the current immigration enforcement system, especially as the number of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds continues to rise under the Biden administration.

The report’s findings, which were presented alongside federal data from the Department of Homeland Security, suggest that the current surge in illegal immigration has overwhelmed resources and hampered enforcement efforts. With many dangerous criminals being released into communities, the stakes surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety remain high.