Among immigrant residents who had lived in the United States for two or more years, 71 percent lacked any criminal record.
Enforcement Breakdown and Administration Comparisons
Of the total 980,000 removals executed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, roughly 59 percent—or 580,000 cases—involved forced removals from the country. Approximately 30 percent, amounting to 300,000 cases, constituted returns within law enforcement procedures, while 11 percent, or 110,000 cases, were administrative returns.
On an annualized basis, the overall deportation total exceeds the figures recorded during the administration of former President Joe Biden and during Trump’s first presidential term. However, Reuters notes that current volume remains significantly below the levels seen at the beginning of the first decade of the century.
Trump maintains that his crackdown on illegal immigration and accelerated deportations aim to improve domestic security. Conversely, human rights organizations argue that these enforcement actions violate due process rights and free speech, creating an unsafe environment particularly for ethnic minorities.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigot in statements reported by the New York Post, the administration has canceled visas with a higher speed than any other administration in history and maintains zero tolerance for visa holders who break the laws, commit fraud, or undermine national security.
By comparison, the Guardian reported approximately 40,000 visas revoked during the final year of Joe Biden’s presidency in 2024. The State Department specified that cancellations stem from criminal activity, public safety threats, or immigration rule violations, including fraud and misrepresentation. At least 4,000 visas were revoked from foreign nationals involved in or facilitating birth tourism, while 2025 Department data showed a quarter of revocations linked to assaults or related crimes, 22 percent for driving under the influence, 7 percent for theft, and 7 percent for drug offenses.
Human rights advocates have raised strong criticisms over specific visa revocations, including those targeting pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrating against military operations in Gaza, as well as foreigners penalized over social media posts regarding the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Frequently Asked Questions About US Immigration Actions
What proportion of deported immigrants have criminal records?
According to the Migration Policy Institute report by Mark Rosenblum, only 20 percent of all individuals deported during the first 18 months of Trump’s second term had a criminal conviction. Among those who lived in the U.S. for two or more years, 71 percent had no criminal record.
How many visa cancellations has the State Department reported?
Spokesperson Tommy Pigot stated that the administration enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward visa holders who violate laws, commit fraud, or threaten national security.
What specific legal and civil liberties concerns have organizations raised?
Human rights organizations state that immigration enforcement measures and visa revocations violate the right to a fair trial and freedom of speech. Activists warn that the policies suppress dissent and create an insecure environment for minorities and foreign protesters.