Fact check: TRUMP ENDS “CATCH AND RELEASE” Trump signed an executive order officially ending the federal “catch and release” program. This policy had allowed migrants who entered illegally to stay in the U.S. while awaiting asylum decisions.

1. Summary of the results

While Trump did sign an executive memorandum regarding "catch and release," the original statement oversimplifies a complex situation. The memorandum directed the Department of Homeland Security to submit reports on how to end the practice ^[1], rather than immediately terminating it. It was characterized as more of a "symbolic move" that didn't immediately change immigration policy ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:

• "Catch and release" is not a single policy but rather a complex set of immigration procedures spanning multiple administrations, both Republican and Democratic ^[3]
• The practice was already modified during Trump's previous administration through policies like "remain in Mexico" and was no longer common when this memorandum was signed ^[4]
• Contrary to common narratives, data shows that:

86% of family members and 81% of non-family members attended their immigration hearings

This sharply contradicts claims that only 2% returned for hearings ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The statement contains several misleading elements:

• It overstates the immediate impact of the memorandum, which only initiated a process requiring departments to submit reports within 45 days ^[1], rather than instantly ending any practices
• It simplifies a complex issue by presenting it as a straightforward policy change, when in reality it was part of a broader political discussion involving:

The White House's security priorities

Calls for Congressional Democrat support ^[2]

Multiple existing border policies and actions ^[6]

This framing benefits:

Political figures seeking to appear tough on immigration

• Those who want to present immigration issues as simple problems with simple solutions
• Groups using immigration as a wedge issue between political parties, as evidenced by the historical pattern of blaming specific parties for these policies ^[3]