Keep Factually independent
Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.
Fact check: What's the estimated ratio of non-criminal "ICE" detenitons
1. Summary of the results
Based on the analyses provided, the estimated ratio of non-criminal ICE detentions is approximately 47-50% of all current detainees. Multiple sources confirm that as of June 2025, nearly half of the record 59,000 people being held in ICE detention had no criminal record [1] [2].
However, the data reveals a significant shift in enforcement patterns during 2025. From Inauguration Day to May 4, 2025, only 23% of those arrested by ICE had no criminal history, while 44% had criminal convictions [3]. Beginning May 25, 2025, there was an abrupt policy change where individuals with no criminal history comprised 44% of arrests, while those with criminal convictions dropped to only 30% [3]. This represents what sources describe as an "abrupt reversal" in enforcement priorities [2].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
The original question lacks crucial temporal context - the ratio of non-criminal detentions has fluctuated dramatically based on policy changes throughout 2025. The Department of Homeland Security presents a contrasting narrative, claiming that 70% of ICE arrests were criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges during President Trump's first 100 days [4], directly contradicting the CBS News analysis.
Historical data from fiscal year 2018 shows that approximately 90% of all people arrested by ICE either had a criminal conviction, pending charges, had illegally re-entered, or were immigration fugitives [5], suggesting that high rates of non-criminal detentions represent a departure from previous enforcement patterns.
Political stakeholders benefit differently from emphasizing various aspects of this data:
- Immigration advocacy groups benefit from highlighting the 47% non-criminal detention rate to argue against aggressive enforcement
- The Trump administration and DHS benefit from emphasizing their claim of 70% criminal arrests to justify enforcement policies
- Media organizations benefit from the dramatic narrative of policy shifts and record detention numbers
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original question appears neutral but lacks specificity about timeframe, which is crucial given the documented policy shifts in 2025. The question could be interpreted as seeking a static ratio when the data shows significant temporal variation.
There are conflicting claims between sources that suggest potential misinformation campaigns. The DHS explicitly labels media narratives as "fake news" and provides contradictory statistics [4], while multiple CBS News analyses consistently report the 47% figure [1] [2]. This discrepancy suggests either methodological differences in data collection or deliberate misrepresentation by one or more parties.
The timing of the policy shift (beginning May 25, 2025) coinciding with increased media attention suggests potential political motivations behind enforcement changes, though the analyses don't explicitly state this connection.