US immigration authorities reported the removal of over 270,000 individuals during the last financial year, just weeks before Donald Trump assumes office, vowing to deport millions of migrants.
This figure represents the final annual report under President Joe Biden and marks the highest number of removals in the past decade, surpassing totals from Mr. Trump’s first term in office.
The majority of those deported had illegally crossed the southern border, according to the report from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Approximately one-third of those removed had criminal convictions or were facing criminal charges.
Estimates indicate that between 11 and 15 million individuals are living in the United States without legal status, though Donald Trump and his allies claim that the number is significantly higher.
He has vowed to initiate the largest deportation effort in US history upon taking office on January 20.
This commitment, which heavily emphasized the unverified assertion that migrants commit more crimes than American citizens, resonated with many voters.
Mr. Trump has provided limited information on the execution of this operation, with analyses suggesting it would be costly and unfeasible given current staffing levels.
“Each year, our workforce confronts significant challenges – yet every year, they rise to meet those challenges,” stated ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner.
Illegal crossings increased following Mr. Biden’s inauguration but saw a significant reduction over the past year after his administration implemented stricter asylum application rules.
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Estimates suggest that between 11 and 15 million individuals are residing illegally in the United States.
Mr. Trump and his supporters assert that the true number is much higher.
Many of those without legal authorization contribute to the economy by working and paying taxes, often taking on tough or hazardous jobs that citizens are reluctant to do.
Critics of Mr. Trump’s proposed crackdown warn that the economy could suffer if he attempts to deport undocumented migrants on the scale he has suggested, potentially leading to labor shortages in sectors such as housing, agriculture, and social care.
Economists argue that any resultant shortages could drive up prices, undermining one of Mr. Trump’s key campaign pledges to curb inflation.
