Reports indicate that 60 percent of the illegal immigrants arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during President Donald Trump's first year in office had previously been charged with or convicted of a crime.

CBS News has released internal data from the Department of Homeland Security, providing detailed insights into the profiles of illegal immigrants detained by the agency. It has been revealed that 60 percent of those in custody have a criminal record.

Fourteen percent of the detainees have been convicted or charged with violent crimes. However, the charges and convictions do not always reflect the specific offenses committed. The justice system allows for plea bargains, which can sometimes reduce the severity of the penalties for the crimes committed. For instance, an individual may be arrested for assault and drug-related charges but could plead guilty only to the drug charges to avoid a potentially longer prison sentence.

60% of all illegal immigrants arrested by ICE have been charged or convicted of other crimes in the US aside from crossing the border.

It is also unclear if this also counts those that also committed crimes in other countries, which would bring the 60% higher. pic.twitter.com/mvfz6RxPwW

— Thomas Stevenson (@RealTStevenson) February 9, 2026

Moreover, some police departments, such as those in Washington, D.C., occasionally impose lesser charges to manipulate crime statistics. CBS News’s graphic illustrated various charges and convictions, but the report does not clarify whether the 60 percent figure pertains solely to individuals charged or convicted of crimes within the United States. If the data does not include those with criminal histories from other countries, this 60 percent figure is likely to increase.

CBS News highlighted the 14 percent figure related to violent crimes, but it is important to note that violent crimes do not encompass offenses such as drug trafficking, driving under the influence, or charges of child pornography.

In response to CBS’s report, the White House stated on X:

“Fake news. Here are some crimes that have been classified as ‘non-violent’: drug trafficking, human trafficking, child pornography, fraud, driving under the influence, burglary, etc. The article even acknowledges that 60 percent of them have faced criminal proceedings or convictions (though in reality, this is closer to 70%). They are criminals, and we do not welcome them here.”

Fake News. Here’s a few crimes categorized as „non-violent”: Drug trafficking, human smuggling, child porn, fraud, DUI, burglary, etc.

The article even admits 60% „had criminal charges or convictions (though it’s actually ~70%).

They’re CRIMINALS and they’re NOT welcome here. https://t.co/COngSVANsL

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 9, 2026

Meanwhile, a new public opinion poll highlights that over 40 percent of New Yorkers support the Trump administration’s efforts to deport individuals illegally residing in the United States. According to a Siena College poll, 43 percent of voters back the deportation of illegal immigrants, while 35 percent oppose such measures, and 20 percent are undecided. These results are roughly consistent with the findings of a Siena poll conducted in May.