Fact check: How many US citizens have been deported by ICE in error since 2020?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is no specific data available regarding the number of US citizens deported by ICE in error since 2020. The sources consistently report historical data showing that at least 70 US citizens were wrongfully deported by ICE between 2015 and 2020 ^{[1] [2]}, with hundreds more detained or arrested by mistake during this same period ^[1].

The official ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics do not differentiate between US citizens and non-citizens in their deportation data, making it impossible to extract the specific information requested ^[3]. Recent cases continue to highlight ongoing issues, including a green card holder detained by ICE for over 4 months ^[4] and a federal court ruling in favor of Peter Sean Brown, a US citizen illegally detained for deportation by Florida Sheriff's Office at ICE's request ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question assumes that US citizens continue to be deported in error since 2020, but the available data does not extend beyond 2020 for comprehensive statistics. Several important contextual elements emerge from the analyses:

• ICE detainers are described as "deeply flawed" according to federal court rulings, with local officials acting "at their own peril" when accepting these documents ^[5]
• The Department of Homeland Security has actively fought against what it calls "fake news" regarding ICE operations, suggesting there may be competing narratives about the agency's effectiveness and accuracy ^[6]
• Greater accountability within ICE and better training for agents has been identified as necessary to prevent wrongful deportations ^[1]

The lack of post-2020 data could benefit different stakeholders:

• ICE and DHS leadership may benefit from the absence of recent comprehensive data, as it prevents scrutiny of current operations
• Immigration advocacy organizations would benefit from having concrete recent numbers to support reform efforts
• Political figures on both sides could use either the presence or absence of data to support their respective immigration policy positions

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that US citizens have continued to be deported in error since 2020, but this assumption cannot be verified based on available evidence. The question presupposes that such deportations are occurring and seeks a specific number, when the analyses reveal that no comprehensive data exists for the post-2020 period.

The framing could be considered leading, as it assumes ongoing wrongful deportations rather than asking whether such deportations are still occurring. This type of question structure could inadvertently spread misinformation by reinforcing unverified assumptions about current ICE practices, even though historical data from 2015-2020 clearly documents significant problems with wrongful deportations and detentions.