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Fact check: Can ICE detain non-citizens indefinitely without violating the 14th Amendment?

Checked on September 13, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The question of whether ICE can detain non-citizens indefinitely without violating the 14th Amendment is a complex issue with multiple viewpoints. Most analyses suggest that indefinite detention may violate due process rights [1] [2] [3]. The 14th Amendment's due process clause applies to all people within the US, regardless of immigration status, and guarantees the right to a fair hearing [1]. However, the Trump administration's expansion of expedited removal and third-country removals may undermine these rights [2]. Some sources report that ICE has implemented policies to detain immigrants without a bond hearing, potentially holding them for months or years, which may violate the 14th Amendment [4]. Class action lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration's policies, alleging violations of due process rights [5]. On the other hand, some sources discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions to lift limits on immigration sweeps and allow federal immigration officers to briefly detain and interrogate individuals [6] [7], but these do not directly address the question of indefinite detention.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

  • The impact of racial profiling on immigration enforcement: Some sources highlight concerns about racial profiling in immigration enforcement, which may be related to the issue of indefinite detention [8]. However, this aspect is not fully explored in the context of indefinite detention.
  • The role of federal statutes and US immigration law: While some sources mention that indefinite detention may violate federal statutes and US immigration law [3], a more in-depth analysis of these laws and their implications is missing.
  • The Supreme Court's decisions on immigration: The analyses provided do not fully discuss the implications of the Supreme Court's decisions on immigration sweeps and stops [6] [7] in relation to indefinite detention.
  • The experiences of non-citizens in detention: The analyses primarily focus on the legal aspects of indefinite detention, with limited discussion of the human impact on non-citizens and their families [3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading as it implies that ICE's ability to detain non-citizens indefinitely is a straightforward issue [1] [2]. In reality, the question is complex and depends on various factors, including the application of the 14th Amendment's due process clause and federal statutes. The Trump administration and ICE may benefit from this framing, as it could be used to justify policies that undermine due process rights [2] [3]. On the other hand, immigrant advocacy groups and non-citizens may be harmed by this framing, as it could lead to further erosion of their rights and prolonged detention [5]. Overall, a nuanced understanding of the issue is necessary to avoid misinformation and bias [1] [2] [3].

Want to dive deeper?
What are the due process rights of non-citizens under the 14th Amendment?
How does the Zadvydas v. Davis ruling impact ICE detention of non-citizens?
Can non-citizens be detained indefinitely without a bond hearing?
What is the difference between ICE detention and criminal detention for non-citizens?
How have lower courts interpreted the 14th Amendment in non-citizen detention cases?