New federal data show immigration detainees without criminal records are the fastest-growing group in U.S. custody, highlighting the sweep of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation drive.
As of Nov. 16, ICE was holding a record 65,135 detainees, according to figures published by the agency under a congressional transparency rule.
Nearly half — 48% — had no U.S. criminal charges or convictions and were detained solely for civil immigration violations.
CBS News Exclusive: Fewer than one-third of the individuals arrested by Border Patrol during the Trump administration's recent immigration enforcement crackdown in Charlotte were classified as criminals, according to an internal DHS document.https://t.co/GAFr9UyT9X
— Camilo Montoya-Galvez (@camiloreports) November 24, 2025
The surge is sharpest among those arrested directly by ICE. Non-criminal detainees in that category jumped more than 2,000% since January, rising from 945 to 21,194.
By comparison, detainees with convictions grew 73%, and those with pending charges rose 226%.
An internal government document obtained by CBS News indicates fewer than one-third of the individuals arrested by Border Patrol during its recent crackdown in Charlotte were classified as criminals, undercutting Trump administration claims about “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” pic.twitter.com/43brNAAeks
— Camilo Montoya-Galvez (@camiloreports) November 24, 2025
The trend contrasts with the administration’s public claims that enforcement focuses on “the worst of the worst.”
DHS officials argue many non-criminal detainees may have foreign warrants or national-security risks, though the government has released no data to support that.
Also read:
TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
