A recent report by the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) and circulated by House and Senate Republicans reveals that nearly 99% of illegal aliens and border crossers are living freely across the United States, with only a small percentage monitored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to the report, the estimated illegal population in the US is nearly 17 million, with only 1.34% in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention or monitored through the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP). This means that approximately 16.5 million illegal aliens and border crossers are living freely in American communities, with minimal supervision.
In addition, the report highlights that roughly 7.4 million border crossers are on ICE’s non-detained docket, with fewer than 2.5% of these individuals being monitored through ISAP. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has accused the Biden administration of attempting to mislead Americans regarding illegal immigration, stating that 99% of illegal aliens in America are roaming free under the current leadership.
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) has also spoken out about the issue, saying that only 1% of illegal aliens are being actively supervised, and only 0.25% are being detained. He has introduced the Reshape Alternatives to Detention Act alongside Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), which aims to require DHS to use all available detention space for border crossers and place migrants on ISAP once all space is utilized.
The legislation seeks to ensure that all migrants on ICE’s non-detained docket are enrolled in ISAP, allowing the agency to track their location and prevent absconding or deportation. With over eight million migrants expected to be placed on ICE’s non-detained docket by the end of the year, the legislation aims to address the growing issue of illegal immigration and border security.