Over 60% of ICE Detainees in South Texas Have No Criminal Convictions

New data shows most immigrants held by ICE in the region have no prior criminal record.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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According to a new report, 61% of immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in South Texas have no prior criminal convictions. The findings highlight concerns about the broad use of immigration detention, even for those without any criminal history.

Why it matters

The high percentage of ICE detainees without criminal records in South Texas raises questions about the agency's priorities and the fairness of the immigration enforcement system. Critics argue that detaining individuals solely for civil immigration violations undermines due process and unfairly targets vulnerable populations.

The details

The data, obtained by the San Antonio Current through a public records request, shows that out of the 3,400 immigrants detained by ICE in the region, over 2,000 had no prior criminal convictions. Immigration advocates say this reflects a troubling trend of using detention as a default tool, even for those who pose no threat to public safety.

  • The data was obtained by the San Antonio Current on February 20, 2026.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

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The takeaway

This data highlights the need for a more targeted and humane approach to immigration enforcement, focusing resources on individuals who pose a genuine threat rather than broadly detaining those without criminal records.