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Immigration – The White House on Tuesday pushed back against criticism of its immigration enforcement record, insisting that federal authorities remain focused on removing individuals with criminal histories from the United States.

Speaking at a press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration’s position has been consistent since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s term. She reiterated that any person living in the country without legal status may face removal, while emphasizing that enforcement agencies are prioritizing individuals convicted of serious crimes.

Administration Responds to Arrest Data Reports

Leavitt’s remarks came in response to recent reports suggesting that only a small share of arrests carried out under President Donald Trump involve violent offenders. Those reports cited enforcement data indicating that many individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement do not have convictions for violent crimes.

Leavitt argued that the figures were being interpreted without full context. According to her, nearly 60 percent of individuals arrested by ICE over the past year had either criminal charges pending against them or prior convictions. She further stated that roughly 70 percent of people apprehended under the current administration had some form of criminal history, whether ongoing cases or past convictions.

“These numbers reflect a broader picture than what is being presented,” she said, adding that the administration’s enforcement efforts target individuals who pose risks to public safety.

Nonviolent Offenses Still Carry Serious Consequences

Addressing the distinction between violent and nonviolent crimes, Leavitt stressed that many offenses categorized as nonviolent still involve significant harm. She listed crimes such as drug trafficking, child exploitation offenses, burglary, fraud, driving under the influence, embezzlement, solicitation of a minor, and human smuggling as examples.

She noted that labeling such crimes as nonviolent does not make them harmless. “A crime does not need to involve physical violence to have victims,” she said, underscoring that communities can be deeply affected by these offenses.

Leavitt also criticized commentators who have highlighted the percentage of nonviolent arrests, suggesting that few people would feel comfortable having individuals convicted of serious offenses living nearby.

Commitment to Continued Enforcement

The administration, she said, intends to maintain its current approach. While reiterating that all undocumented immigrants are subject to deportation under federal law, Leavitt emphasized that enforcement resources are directed first toward those with criminal records, particularly those convicted of serious offenses.

Immigration enforcement has been a defining element of President Trump’s political platform since his 2016 campaign. Administration officials have repeatedly argued that stricter detention and removal policies deter unlawful border crossings and contribute to public safety.

Court Ruling and Border Crossing Figures

During the same briefing, Leavitt pointed to a recent decision by a federal appeals court that upheld the administration’s authority to detain migrants who enter the country without authorization. She described the ruling as validation of the government’s enforcement measures.

Leavitt also cited border statistics, stating that illegal crossings at the southern border have declined significantly. According to her, authorities recorded zero illegal crossings for a ninth consecutive month, a figure she characterized as historically low.

The administration maintains that detention policies and swift removals have played a key role in reducing unauthorized entries.

Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Policy

Despite the White House’s defense, immigration policy continues to draw sharp debate in Washington and beyond. Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocacy organizations have questioned enforcement priorities, arguing that some individuals detained pose minimal public safety risks. They have also raised concerns about due process protections and the broader impact of detention and deportation on families and local communities.

Supporters of the administration’s approach contend that firm enforcement is necessary to uphold immigration law and ensure border security. Critics, meanwhile, call for reforms that balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations.

As the policy debate continues, immigration remains a central issue in national politics, with enforcement data and court decisions likely to remain under close scrutiny in the months ahead.