Recent reports from major media outlets claim that the White House and Department of Homeland Security are addressing “false narratives” regarding ICE arrests under the Trump administration. The Washington Post and New York Times reported on a surge in noncriminal ICE arrests.
Media Reports on ICE Arrests
The Washington Post indicated that ICE arrested “soaring numbers” of illegal immigrants without criminal records, exceeding previous years. Similarly, the New York Times highlighted that people with no criminal record faced increasing arrests by ICE.
Contrary to these claims, Lauren Bis, a White House spokeswoman, stated that nearly 70% of illegal aliens arrested by ICE have been convicted or charged with crimes in the U.S. She emphasized that many “noncriminal” immigrants had prior criminal histories in their home countries.
Alleged Misrepresentation
Bis questioned the mainstream media’s portrayal, asking why they perpetuate narratives protecting criminal illegal aliens.
“These are just a few of the media’s ‘non-criminals,’” she remarked.
ICE’s reported demographic includes not only those with U.S. criminal records but also individuals with histories of violent crimes internationally.
Examples of Arrested Individuals
DHS provided cases showcasing the complexity of some arrests:
- Josue Saul Garcia-Lopez from El Salvador held warrants related to MS-13’s extortion and robbery activities.
- Fredy Alexander Lopez Lara from Honduras had a homicide warrant.
- Salvadoran Danny Granados-Garcia wanted for murder.
- Salvador Suazo-Garcia, linked to lewd acts on a child, was returned to Mexico.
- Silvia Del Rosario Torres-Castro, wanted for homicide.
- Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla, involved in 18th Street Gang’s violent activities.
- Mexican brothers Pedro Luis Ortiz-Mendez and Jose Vicente Ortiz-Mendez faced murder charges related to a San Luis Potosi festival attack.
Response to Criticism
Bis further claimed that referring to these individuals as “non-criminals” due to their foreign criminal records is misleading.
ICE removed criminals that could jeopardize U.S. community safety.