Majority of Migrants Released into U.S. After Border Arrival

A report from the House Homeland Security Committee reveals that over 85% of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border are released into the U.S. interior. This trend has been observed since early 2021, coinciding with the Biden administration's policies that have led to nearly eight million migrants entering the country. The report criticizes the administration for reducing federal detention space while simultaneously implementing a 'catch and release' strategy, which has resulted in millions of inadmissible migrants being released into American communities. In Fiscal Year 2021, only 36% of migrants were detained during their case adjudications, a stark contrast to 91% in Fiscal Year 2013 under the Obama administration. High-ranking officials within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have reportedly pressured border sectors to minimize the number of illegal aliens in detention. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of immigration enforcement, as many migrants released are unlikely to be deported after their first year in the U.S. DHS data indicates that 82% of migrants not continuously detained remain in the U.S. for years, with a mere 2% of illegal aliens under ICE supervision. The report also highlights plans to eliminate in-person check-ins for migrants, further diminishing ICE's enforcement capabilities. Critics argue that these policies undermine the integrity of immigration law and enforcement. The report concludes that the current administration's approach to immigration is detrimental, as it fosters a system where the majority of migrants are not held accountable for their legal status, leading to long-term residency without proper oversight or enforcement.