Fact check: Can dual citizens be deported by ICE in 2025?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, dual citizens are not being deported by ICE in 2025. The most direct evidence comes from fact-checking sources that debunked viral misinformation on this topic ^{[1] [2]}. These sources confirmed that images circulating on social media claiming President Trump announced an end to dual citizenship were fabricated and originated as an April Fool's joke.

However, the analyses reveal a more complex landscape regarding citizenship and deportation policies. The Justice Department has announced plans to prioritize cases to revoke citizenship, particularly targeting naturalized citizens who have committed certain crimes ^[3]. While this denaturalization process doesn't directly address dual citizens, it implies that citizenship revocation could potentially lead to deportation for those affected.

The current ICE operations focus on individuals who are in the U.S. illegally, with increased arrests primarily taking place in border and Southern states ^[4]. The analyses do not provide evidence of dual citizens being specifically targeted for deportation.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements that the analyses reveal:

• The distinction between denaturalization and deportation: The Trump administration's efforts focus on revoking citizenship of naturalized citizens who obtained it through fraud or committed certain crimes, rather than targeting dual citizens specifically ^{[3] [5]}.
• Specific cases under consideration: The analyses mention that prominent figures like Elon Musk and Zohran Mamdani have been discussed in the context of potential denaturalization, though experts consider such actions unlikely and characterize the rhetoric as "irresponsible" and designed to intimidate political opponents ^[5].
• The role of misinformation: A significant portion of public concern about dual citizen deportation stems from fabricated social media posts that were initially created as jokes but spread as legitimate news ^{[1] [2]}.
• Legal complexities: The analyses suggest that while denaturalization is theoretically possible, the practical implementation faces significant legal hurdles, particularly for high-profile cases.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself doesn't contain explicit misinformation, but it may be influenced by the viral fake announcements about ending dual citizenship that have circulated on social media platforms ^{[1] [2]}. These fabricated posts have created confusion about actual government policies.

The question also conflates different immigration enforcement mechanisms - deportation typically applies to non-citizens, while dual citizens would first need to undergo denaturalization proceedings before becoming eligible for deportation. This distinction is crucial but often overlooked in public discourse.

Political actors and media outlets may benefit from perpetuating confusion about these policies, as immigration remains a highly polarizing issue that can mobilize voter bases and generate engagement. The spread of misinformation serves those who benefit from heightened anxiety about immigration enforcement, regardless of the actual legal realities.