Trump Claims People Taken into ICE Custody Are Dangerous. But Only 10% Have Violent Crime Convictions: Report

As the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement and paints a picture of widespread immigrant violence, a new CNN report — based on internal government data — shows a very different reality.

The CNN analysis of ICE data released Monday, June 16, shows that fewer than 10 percent of those taken into custody have been convicted of violent crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, or rape — offenses the Trump administration has frequently cited when justifying its immigration crackdowns.

CNN notes that Trump administration officials have repeatedly, publicly described those arrested by ICE as “barbaric,” “violent criminal aliens,” and “transnational gang members” who have “reigned terror” on Americans. But ICE’s own data tells a different story.

According to data reported by CNN, most individuals detained by ICE who have a criminal history were charged with traffic violations, minor offenses, or immigration-related infractions. Fewer than 10 percent were charged with violent crimes, and more than 75 percent had no record beyond traffic or immigration offenses.

“Right now, immigrants have been portrayed as dangers to community, as drains on society, as criminals, rapists, terrorists, and these are inaccurate statements,” Sui Chung, the executive director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, told the outlet. “It’s a really dangerous narrative for us to set forth when this is a country built on immigration.”

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According to the Associated Press, Trump has ordered more ICE raids to continue in Democratic-led cities across the country. On social media, Trump said his administration would “expand” its efforts to include cities like Chicago and New York City, falsely claiming that “millions upon millions” of people are living in the U.S. illegally.

The order comes as Trump escalates enforcement efforts and tensions with California officials, deploying the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles amid ongoing ICE raids and protests — demonstrations he has described, without evidence, as overtaking the city.

A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the data. A spokesperson for DHS did not immediately respond when asked to reconcile the data with the way Trump administration officials have publicly described immigrants living in the U.S.