Fact check: What is the current US deportation process under the Biden administration?

1. Summary of the results

The current US deportation process under the Biden administration operates through multiple mechanisms and has achieved record-breaking numbers. The US deported over 271,000 immigrants in the last fiscal year, surpassing Donald Trump's 2019 record ^[1]. The Biden administration is on track to match the number of deportations carried out during the Trump administration, with a focus on removing recent border arrivals and targeting single adults of 'easy-to-remove' nationalities ^[2].

The deportation process includes both traditional enforcement and innovative approaches. A majority of deportations involve migrants apprehended by border officials ^[1], while the administration has also introduced a program that offers financial and travel assistance to illegal aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App, allowing them to avoid arrest and detention ^[3].

Current enforcement activities include the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and the initiation of removal proceedings against over 26,700 aliens with no legal basis to remain in the country ^[4]. The system utilizes resources such as the ICE Portal and the Online Detainee Locator System for tracking and managing cases ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The deportation process reveals significant gaps in due process protections, particularly for vulnerable populations. Tens of thousands of children have been ordered deported without legal representation or a fair day in court, highlighting the need for legal representation and reforms in the immigration system ^[6]. This represents a critical human rights concern that benefits immigration enforcement agencies and contractors who profit from streamlined removal processes.

The administration's approach has faced legal challenges that create uncertainty for immigrant families. A federal judge struck down a Biden administration policy aimed at easing the path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants married to US citizens, creating uncertainty for immigrant families ahead of Trump's return to the White House ^[7]. This judicial intervention benefits those who oppose comprehensive immigration reform and favor stricter enforcement measures.

The contrast with previous policies provides important context. Trump's policies included the termination of 'catch-and-release' and the re-establishment of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy ^[8], showing how deportation processes can vary significantly between administrations.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, seeking information about current deportation processes without making specific claims. However, the framing could potentially lead to incomplete understanding if it doesn't account for the complexity and contradictions within the system.

The question doesn't acknowledge that Biden's deportation numbers have actually exceeded Trump's 2019 record ^[1], which contradicts common political narratives about enforcement differences between the two administrations. This omission could benefit political actors who want to portray the Biden administration as weak on immigration enforcement.

Additionally, the question doesn't address the systematic denial of legal representation to children in deportation proceedings ^[6], which represents a significant due process violation that benefits private detention contractors and enforcement agencies seeking efficient case processing over fair legal procedures.