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U.S. deportation reporting

The distinction between 'removals' and 'returns' in U.S. deportation reporting, and how different sources may categorize and report these numbers.

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Jan 18, 2026
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How do “removals” differ from “returns” in federal immigration statistics, and why does that matter for comparing presidents?

“Removals” are formal, court‑based expulsions that carry legal consequences and a removal order; “returns” are non‑order movements out of the country—often voluntary or administrative at the border—an...

Jan 21, 2026

How do deportation counting methods (removals vs. returns) change public understanding of enforcement scale?

Counting "" as formal removals versus counting the broader set of returns and expulsions produces dramatically different headline totals and public impressions, because removals carry legal orders and...