A report released by the United States government on Thursday highlights a significant rise in deportations, reaching their highest level in a decade. In fiscal year 2024, which ended on September 30, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported around 271,000 immigrants, marking the highest figure since 2014. This surge in deportations is part of a larger effort by outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration to combat illegal immigration.
The ICE annual enforcement report indicates that the deportations spanned across 192 countries. The increase in removals reflects the administration’s focus on enforcing immigration laws while addressing the challenges of illegal border crossings. The Biden administration, which has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, has sought a balance between border security and the protection of immigrant rights.
While the deportation figures are the highest in recent years, the Biden administration has also taken steps to offer relief to certain groups of immigrants, including initiatives aimed at protecting asylum seekers and providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented individuals in the country. However, the overall uptick in deportations signals the administration’s commitment to its broader immigration enforcement strategy, especially in the face of mounting political pressure.
This shift in deportation figures is a clear indication of the administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration, aiming to strengthen border control measures as part of a comprehensive immigration reform approach.
