The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported a record 270,000 people to 192 countries over the past 12 months, according to a report released by the agency. This is the highest annual deportation tally in a decade.
The agency’s fiscal year ended September 30 with 271,484 deportations, nearly double from last year and higher than its previous record in 2014 when it removed 315,943 people. Increased flights, including on weekends, and streamlined travel procedures to Central American countries contributed to the increase.
The majority of deportees (87,298) were sent to Mexico, followed by Guatemala (66,435) and Honduras (45,923). However, ICE’s detention space and staff limitations hindered its ability to reach all those it monitors through immigration courts. The agency detained an average of 37,700 people per day during the period.
This report highlights some of the challenges President-elect Donald Trump will face in carrying out his pledge of mass deportations. With increased enforcement on the border with Mexico diverting resources away from interior arrests, ICE’s efforts are likely to be affected by these operational and financial constraints.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/immigration-agency-deports-highest-numbers-2014-aided-flights-116965564