

Is ICE Only Arresting Criminal Migrants?
Jan 30, 2025
Join Michelle Hackman, an immigration reporter for The Wall Street Journal, as she dives into the implications of the recently signed Lakin-Riley Act. The act enforces detaining undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, sparking fears in vulnerable communities. Hackman explores how ICE's approach under Trump contrasts with previous administrations, raising concerns about community safety and economic impact. The discussion reveals the growing anxiety among Latino populations and the dangerous allure of fraudulent legal services amid their immigration struggles.
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ICE Targets and Deportations
- ICE primarily targets individuals with criminal histories, often broadly defined.
- Automatic deportation isn't guaranteed; ICE assesses deportability and may release individuals.
Definition of "Criminal" Immigrant
- The Trump administration's messaging on "criminal" immigrants is inconsistent, shifting between those with records and anyone undocumented.
- This shift may reflect a response to criticism about insufficient deportation numbers.
Guantanamo Bay and Migrant Detention
- Guantanamo Bay has a history of migrant detention, dating back to at least the 1980s.
- Trump's plan to detain a large number of migrants there has precedent, though scaling to his proposed numbers requires further investigation.