President Donald Trump was busy fulfilling promises within his first 100 days.
On his campaign trail, he promised to lock down on the country’s massive illegal immigration problem and according to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE,) that is exactly what he has done.
The ICE agency has reported that it arrested more than 41,000 illegal immigrants within Trump’s first 100 days, which is almost a 40 % spike compared to the same period in 2016.
“These statistics reflect President Trump’s commitment to enforce our immigration laws fairly and across the board. ICE agents and officers have been given clear direction to focus on threats to public safety and national security, which has resulted in a substantial increase in the arrest of convicted criminal aliens,” said Thomas Homan, ICE Acting Director in a written statement. “However, when we encounter others who are in the country unlawfully, we will execute our sworn duty and enforce the law. As the data demonstrates, ICE continues to execute our mission professionally and in accordance with the law, and our communities will be much safer for it.”
The agency targeted convicted criminals, three fourths arrested had either homicide, assault, sexual abuse, or drug-related charges.
ICE authorities made an average of 400 arrests per day.
But the agency made sure not to only focus on “criminals.” Non-criminal arrests also spiked. More than 10,800 have been arrested this year compared to the 4,200 in 2016.
“These statistics reflect President Trump’s commitment to enforce our immigration laws fairly and across the board. ICE agents and officers have been given clear direction to focus on threats to public safety and national security, which has resulted in a substantial increase in the arrest of convicted criminal aliens,” said Homan in the written statement.
While civil rights organizations argue that the crack-down isn’t making the country safer, but is instead pulling apart facilities and hurting businesses, the ICE has made it clear that both criminals and non-criminals who are here illegally will face consequences.
“As Secretary Kelly has made clear, ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States,” said Matthew Bourke, a spokesman for ICE.
But, as Homan reminds the public that all illegal immigrants are breaking the law.
“Those that enter the country illegally, they do violate the law, that is a criminal act,” said Homan on a call with reporters.
Editor’s note: Another campaign promise kept by Trump.