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.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: Is ICE deporting green card holders with no criminal record?

Checked on June 20, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, ICE is indeed deporting green card holders with no criminal record. The evidence strongly supports this claim through multiple documented cases and statistical data.

Statistical Evidence:

  • More than 75% of people booked into ICE custody had no criminal conviction other than immigration or traffic-related offenses [1]
  • Less than 10% of immigrants taken into ICE custody since October had serious criminal convictions [1]
  • Many detainees were picked up at minor traffic stops or yearly ICE check-ins and had posed no danger to their communities for years [1]

Specific Cases of Green Card Holders:

  • Juan Vita Leite Pinto was detained by ICE while sightseeing at the Grand Canyon despite having no criminal record and being in the process of obtaining permanent residency [2]
  • Fabian Schmidt was detained at Logan Airport despite having no active court issues and a recently renewed green card [3]
  • Gonzalo Ladron de Guevara, a green card holder for over 20 years, was detained by federal agents after returning from Mexico [4]
  • Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian green card holder, was arrested by ICE and faces potential deportation due to alleged support for Hamas [5]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual factors:

Legal Framework:

  • There is a legal process for deporting U.S. green card and visa holders that allows for removal even without serious criminal convictions [6]
  • USCIS has initiated removal proceedings against 26,000 aliens since recent policy changes, though this doesn't specifically target green card holders [7]

Policy Changes Under Current Administration:

  • The cases reflect increased scrutiny and new enforcement measures under the Trump administration that may lead to deportation of green card holders with minor or dismissed charges [4]
  • There are concerns about the erosion of due process rights and targeting of legal residents based on political affiliations or speech [5]

Different Perspectives on Enforcement:

  • Immigration enforcement advocates would argue that these actions ensure compliance with immigration law and protect national security
  • Civil rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups would benefit from highlighting these cases to demonstrate overreach in immigration enforcement
  • Political figures opposing current immigration policies would use these examples to criticize the administration's approach

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it poses a legitimate inquiry about current ICE practices. However, there are potential areas where bias could emerge in how this information is presented:

Framing Considerations:

  • The question focuses specifically on those with "no criminal record," which could minimize the complexity of immigration law where technical violations or minor offenses can still trigger removal proceedings [6] [4]
  • The phrasing doesn't acknowledge that some cases involve allegations of support for designated terrorist organizations, which represents a different category of enforcement action [5]

Missing Nuance:

  • The question doesn't distinguish between different types of green card holders or their specific legal situations
  • It doesn't account for the fact that some individuals may be in the process of obtaining permanent residency rather than having full green card status [2]

The evidence overwhelmingly confirms that ICE is detaining and initiating deportation proceedings against green card holders with no serious criminal record, representing a significant shift in immigration enforcement priorities.

Want to dive deeper?
What are the grounds for deporting a green card holder with no criminal record?
Can ICE deport green card holders for misdemeanors?
How many green card holders were deported in 2024 without a criminal record?
What rights do green card holders have during ICE encounters?
Can green card holders appeal ICE deportation decisions?