How Are 1.4 Million Illegal Immigrants Still in the U.S. After Deportation Orders?

The United States is facing a complex immigration challenge, with an estimated 1.4 million individuals living in the country illegally who have been ordered to leave. According to Fox News, federal immigration judges have already decided that these individuals should be deported. However, only a small fraction, about 13,000, are currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a U.S. official revealed.

This means that many of those who have been ordered to leave remain at large in the country, even though their deportation has been mandated. The exact number of those being held in local or state jails is unknown. It’s important to note that these 1.4 million people have already had their immigration cases heard and decided, though some may still have appeals pending, according to the official.

The deportation orders span across various administrations and years, reflecting the ongoing challenges in managing illegal immigration. With each passing year, some individuals are deported, while others continue to remain in the U.S., awaiting their turn to leave.

The issue has become more prominent with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has made clear his intention to tackle illegal immigration, including mass deportations. His focus will initially be on individuals with criminal records, a promise he reiterated leading up to his inauguration on January 20. To assist in this effort, Texas has proposed a 1,400-acre tract of land near the Rio Grande Valley to help stage mass deportation operations.

This approach has sparked backlash, especially in some major cities that have vowed to protect illegal immigrants from federal deportation efforts. In response to Trump’s pledge, these cities have promised not to cooperate with immigration authorities. A notable move came from Los Angeles, where city leaders passed a sanctuary city ordinance. The vote, which occurred Tuesday, was followed by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s decision to adopt sanctuary status as well. This means that school district employees are prohibited from voluntarily sharing information about students’ immigration status or assisting immigration authorities in other ways.

For years, ICE has been critical of sanctuary cities, where local authorities refuse to work with federal immigration officials. These jurisdictions have been particularly scrutinized when criminal immigrants are released back into the community, only to reoffend or commit more severe crimes. ICE argues that this lack of cooperation creates public safety concerns, especially when dangerous individuals are allowed to remain in the country.