Deportations Rarely Ordered on 'Criminal Grounds', Data Shows

Only 2% of deportation orders in February were based on alleged criminal activity, according to new government data.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:33am

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A photorealistic painting of a lone white government vehicle parked on a shadowy urban street, with warm sunlight casting long diagonal shadows across the pavement and buildings. The scene has a somber, contemplative mood that evokes the style of American realist painter Edward Hopper.As immigration enforcement tactics expand, the quiet presence of federal agents in small towns raises concerns about the human impact of the administration's deportation policies.Harlingen Today

New data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University shows that the vast majority of migrants slated for deportation proceedings in February did not have criminal charges brought against them. Only 2% of deportation orders issued that month were based on claims of alleged criminal activity, while the remaining 98% involved violations of immigration rules such as illegal entry or visa overstays.

Why it matters

This data contradicts the Trump administration's rhetoric about deporting 'criminal immigrants,' as it indicates that most deportations are targeting migrants without criminal records. Migrant advocates have criticized the administration for arresting, detaining and deporting large numbers of people with no criminal pasts.

The details

According to the TRAC report, in February 2026 the Department of Homeland Security filed just 741 deportation orders based on alleged criminal activity, which was 2% of all 'notice to appear' (NTA) filings that month. The remaining 98% of NTAs involved claimed immigration violations like illegal entry or visa overstays. This is down slightly from 821 NTAs filed based on criminal activity in February 2025.

  • In February 2026, DHS filed 741 deportation orders based on alleged criminal activity.
  • In February 2025, DHS filed 821 deportation orders based on alleged criminal activity.

The players

Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC)

A data research organization at Syracuse University that tracks and analyzes government data.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and overseeing deportation proceedings.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who made deporting 'criminal immigrants' a key part of his administration's immigration policy.

American Immigration Council

A non-profit organization that advocates for immigrant rights and criticizes the Trump administration's deportation policies.

American Immigration Lawyers Association

A professional association of immigration lawyers that has criticized the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics.

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What they’re saying

“It is clear that the president's thinly veiled threats of imposing mass deportation on 'criminal immigrants' are a promise to target all immigrants—and sometimes even U.S. citizens.”

— American Immigration Council

“Immigration agents aren't just targeting blue cities; they are coming to small towns, too, where some felt the relative quiet of their lives wouldn't be impacted by Donald Trump's plan for mass deportations.”

— American Immigration Lawyers Association

The takeaway

This data challenges the Trump administration's rhetoric about deporting 'criminal immigrants,' as it shows the vast majority of deportation orders are being issued for immigration violations rather than criminal offenses. It highlights concerns from migrant advocates that the administration is targeting a broad swath of immigrants, including those without criminal records.