The Truth About Illegal Migrant Crime Costs Is More Shocking Than You Can Imagine!

The price tag of crime committed by illegal migrants on the list for deportation is staggering. According to a new report, the financial burden of crime linked to 662,000 criminal illegal migrants is three times the estimated cost of President-elect Donald Trump’s much-discussed “mass deportation” plan. This striking comparison sheds light on the scale of the issue and raises critical questions about the financial and social consequences of immigration policies.

In a comprehensive analysis by the Crime Prevention Research Center, the cost of crime from individuals flagged by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations was calculated at an eye-watering $166.5 billion. This amount, based on victim costs, was determined using a price list developed by the National Institute of Justice. The figure includes a broad spectrum of crimes committed by the 662,566 “non-detained” noncitizens currently on ICE’s radar for deportation.

John R. Lott Jr., president of the Crime Prevention Research Center, conducted the analysis, which was featured in Real Clear Investigations. According to Lott, the $166.5 billion figure represents the cost of crime from just one crime each committed by the individuals on the list. He highlighted that nearly $153.8 billion of this amount stems from the devastating impact of murders committed by these individuals.

“Murders account for almost $153.8 billion of the $166.5 billion in estimated criminal victimization costs,” Lott said. In addition, crimes such as sexual assaults and offenses add another $6 billion to the total cost. Another $5.2 billion is tied to various other forms of sexual assault and related offenses.

However, Lott noted that the analysis is not exhaustive. “Half of the crimes these non-detained individuals commit don’t have cost estimates,” he explained. This includes crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, embezzlement, smuggling, weapon offenses, and traffic violations, which are difficult to quantify in terms of victim costs but still contribute to the overall harm caused.

When comparing these findings to the costs of Trump’s proposed “mass deportation” plan, Lott’s analysis suggests that the financial burden of crime far exceeds the estimated cost of deporting criminal migrants. The projected cost of Trump’s plan, according to various estimates, is around $58.3 billion. Other estimates have placed the price tag higher, depending on the scope of deportations, but Lott focused on those individuals who would likely be prioritized in the Trump administration’s deportation efforts—those with the most serious criminal records.

In his analysis, Lott provides a stark picture of the costs involved, not just to the taxpayer but also to the victims of these crimes. While the debate on immigration continues, these numbers offer a sobering look at the hidden costs that are often overlooked in discussions about border security and deportation policies. The complexity of this issue is undeniable, with both the human and financial toll of crime impacting communities across the country.

Lott’s analysis serves as a powerful reminder that addressing criminal activity within immigrant populations goes beyond the politics of deportation. It highlights the pressing need for policies that consider both the costs of crime and the long-term consequences for victims and society as a whole. As the conversation around immigration continues to evolve, the question remains: how can the nation strike a balance between securing the border, protecting communities, and addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior?