CASA Sues DHS for Transparency on Handling of Criminal Illegal Immigrants
Washington, D.C. – A conservative group has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to obtain greater transparency regarding the agency’s handling of criminal illegal immigrants during the Biden administration.
The Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) is seeking records detailing the release of data on noncitizens with criminal backgrounds who were on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) non-detained docket. The data, released to lawmakers in September, revealed that there were:
- 425,431 convicted criminals on ICE’s non-detained docket
- 222,141 with pending criminal charges
The offenses included:
- 62,231 assault convictions
- 14,301 burglary convictions
- 56,533 drug convictions
- 13,099 homicide convictions
CASA requested internal communications and records related to this data from ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) but received no response. The group subsequently filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to compel compliance from the agency.
"The American people deserve maximum transparency regarding the government’s handling of all illegal aliens, but particularly about those aliens with serious criminal convictions," said CASA director James Fitzpatrick.
CASA’s lawsuit seeks to force DHS to provide records and communications related to the release of these illegal alien criminals.
Trump Administration’s Approach
The lawsuit comes amidst a significant shift in the Trump administration’s approach to illegal immigration compared to its predecessor.
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Release of Migrants: The Trump administration has largely stopped the release of migrants into the U.S., in part due to President Trump’s order declaring a national emergency at the southern border. Migrants can now be removed without being offered the ability to claim asylum.
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Mass Deportation Campaign: The administration has launched a mass deportation campaign, making significant efforts to arrest, house, and deport illegal immigrants.
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Increased Arrests: Illegal immigrant arrests have skyrocketed in the first weeks of the Trump administration compared to the same period last year under President Biden, indicating a more aggressive approach to enforcement.
Response from DHS
DHS has not yet responded to a request for comment on CASA’s lawsuit.
Implications
The lawsuit and the Trump administration’s actions have significant implications for the handling of criminal illegal immigrants:
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Transparency and Accountability: CASA’s lawsuit aims to shed light on the government’s handling of criminal illegal immigrants and ensure accountability.
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Increased Enforcement: The Trump administration’s policies are expected to result in increased arrests and deportations of illegal immigrants, including those with criminal backgrounds.
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Public Safety Concerns: The release of data on criminal illegal immigrants raises concerns about public safety and the potential threat posed by individuals who have committed serious offenses.
