Over 13,000 illegal immigrants convicted of homicide and more than 15,000 convicted of sexual assault are currently free in the U.S. amidst the ongoing border crisis under the Biden-Harris administration, according to a letter from Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner to Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX). The letter, obtained by Newsmax, revealed additional details, including that 435,719 criminal illegal immigrants have been placed on dockets but not detained by authorities.
According to Lechleitner’s letter, of the 662,566 illegal immigrants with criminal records in the U.S., 435,719 are convicted criminals, and 226,847 have pending criminal charges.
The letter also specifies that over 13,000 individuals on the national docket who are not currently detained have been convicted of homicide, while more than 15,000 have been convicted of sexual assault.
Former President Donald Trump reacted to the revelation, stating, “Kamala should immediately cancel her news conference because it was just revealed that 13,000 convicted murderers entered our country during her three and a half years as Border Czar. Also currently in our country because of her are 15,811 migrants convicted of rape and sexual assault.”
Lechleitner acknowledged concerns from some jurisdictions that cooperating with federal immigration authorities might erode trust within immigrant communities, complicating local law enforcement’s efforts. However, he warned that “‘sanctuary’ policies can end up shielding dangerous criminals, who often victimize those same communities.”
In the letter, Lechleitner emphasized that ICE is “removing and returning record numbers of migrants who are unable to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States” and prioritizing the removal of those who pose national security and public safety risks. Vice President Kamala Harris, along with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, has opposed the policy of deportations.
The acting ICE director also highlighted that under the DHS appropriations bill enacted on March 23, 2024, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is funded for 41,500 detention beds, up from 34,000 in FY 2023. Regarding detainers, Lechleitner noted that from October 1, 2020, through July 22, 2024, ICE lifted 24,796 detainers, with 23,591 declined by state and local law enforcement agencies and 1,205 lifted due to insufficient notice to ICE.