White House Touts Zero Illegal Immigrants Released in Past 9 Months

Press Secretary says deportations have led to record drop in crime rates

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that no illegal immigrants were released into the United States over the past nine months, calling it a "remarkable achievement" of the Trump administration. Leavitt said the administration's immigration enforcement policies had contributed to a significant drop in crime across the country, despite criticism from Democrats and the media.

Why it matters

The White House's claims about illegal immigration and crime rates are politically charged and controversial, with the administration touting its enforcement efforts while critics argue the policies are inhumane and ineffective. The data cited by the Press Secretary is likely to be disputed by opponents, making this a high-profile political story.

The details

Leavitt said the administration's deportation of criminal illegal immigrants was a key reason why America's streets are safer today than a year ago. She cited newly released data showing a sharp decline in crime, including the murder rate in major cities falling to the lowest level since 1900. Leavitt said nearly 80% of Americans support deporting illegal immigrants, and two-thirds back the administration's requirement that local authorities cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

  • Over the past 9 months

The players

Karoline Leavitt

White House Press Secretary under the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States during the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“Zero illegals were released into our homeland over the past nine months. This is a truly remarkable achievement.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“Even as Democrats and the liberal media are engaged in hysteria about this administration arresting and deporting violent criminal illegal aliens, the undeniable truth is that deporting these individuals is one of the primary reasons why America's streets are safer today than they were one year ago.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The administration is expected to continue its aggressive immigration enforcement policies, while Democrats and critics will likely continue to challenge the approach.

The takeaway

This story highlights the deep partisan divide over immigration policy, with the White House touting its enforcement efforts as a success while opponents argue the policies are harmful. The dispute over crime data and public opinion is likely to continue as a major political flashpoint.