SPLC: Rising ICE deportations are evidence of Trump administration’s ‘war on immigrants’
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced in a report today that it deported more than 256,000 people in fiscal year 2018, a 13 percent increase from last year.
“This report is further evidence of the true extent of the Trump administration’s war on immigrants,” said Mary Bauer, deputy legal director for the SPLC. “They have taken young children from their parents and detained them, effectively closed the southern border to asylum seekers, and tried to deport U.S. citizens.
“Their own numbers show that they are pursuing and deporting our community members for even the most minor traffic infractions. Families should not be ripped apart to satisfy political demagoguery.
“These numbers also indicate that, in addition to being inhumane and illegal, Trump’s war on asylum seekers is incredibly expensive. Rather than providing more funding for ICE’s detention and deportation machine, Congress should focus on ensuring the immigration system is fair and open to all.
“Sadly too, this report attempts to further demonize immigrants by conflating criminals with those simply seeking a better life for them and their families. We will continue to push protecting immigrants’ rights and protect the fundamental principles this nation was built upon.”
