New data reveals America has tens of thousands of noncitizens from US adversary with deportation orders

The latest figures obtained by Fox News reveal that nearly 40,000 Chinese nationals are among the more than 1.4 million noncitizens who have deportation orders but are not currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. These numbers shed light on the challenges faced by ICE in enforcing removal orders for individuals who are not in custody.

As of November 24, 2024, there are 1,445,549 foreign nationals on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal. The non-detained docket includes individuals who have final orders of removal or are going through removal proceedings but are not in ICE custody. This docket currently includes over 7 million people, including those who are incarcerated by federal, state, or local law enforcement but not by ICE.

The top countries of nationals on the list include Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. However, China has 37,908 nationals on the docket with final orders of removal. Other countries represented on the list include Haiti, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela.

Concerns have been raised about the potential national security risks posed by Chinese nationals on the docket, given China’s status as a geopolitical foe of the U.S. Lawmakers have requested a breakdown of nationalities and reasons that make it difficult to deport individuals with final removal orders.

The number of illegal immigrants on the non-detained docket has increased significantly in recent years, from 3.7 million in fiscal 2021 to over 7 million in fiscal 2023. ICE cited various reasons why individuals with final removal orders may not be deported, including appeals, other forms of deportation protection, and participation in Alternatives to Detention programs.

ICE noted that around 55% of final removal orders are currently executable, but this number is subject to change based on individual cases. Additionally, some countries refuse to accept the return of their nationals, with 15 countries labeled as “uncooperative” and 11 countries at risk of non-compliance.

House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green criticized the Biden administration for limiting ICE’s ability to detain and remove illegal immigrants, calling for stronger enforcement of immigration laws and border security measures. The incoming Trump administration is expected to prioritize public safety threats in its mass deportation operation, with a focus on removing all illegal immigrants.

Challenges remain in international diplomacy, particularly with countries refusing to repatriate their citizens. The Biden administration recently conducted a removal flight to China, marking the fourth such flight in less than six months. The administration is gearing up to address these challenges and establish a robust deportation operation.

In conclusion, the latest figures highlight the complexities of enforcing removal orders for noncitizens not in ICE custody. The incoming Trump administration faces a range of challenges as it seeks to address these issues and strengthen immigration enforcement efforts.