Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
The landscape of criminal illegal aliens in the United States has undergone significant changes throughout 2025, with law enforcement agencies implementing unprecedented enforcement measures under the current administration. During the first 100 days of President Donald J. Trump’s second term, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested 66,463 illegal aliens and removed 65,682 aliens, including criminals who threaten public safety and national security. This dramatic surge in enforcement activities has brought renewed focus to understanding the scope and nature of criminal activity among unauthorized immigrants within American borders.
The data reveals a complex picture of criminal activity among illegal aliens, with enforcement priorities shifting toward comprehensive interior operations targeting individuals across various crime categories. The criminal records of those arrested include convictions or charges for 9,639 assaults, 6,398 DWIs or DUIs and 1,479 weapon offenses. These statistics represent only a portion of the broader enforcement landscape, as agencies have expanded their operational scope to address public safety concerns while managing the challenges of processing and removing individuals from the country.
Key Stats & Facts About Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Fact Category | 2025 Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current ICE Detention Population | 59,380 individuals | TRAC Immigration Data (August 10, 2025) |
| Detainees Without Criminal Convictions | 41,822 individuals (70.4%) | TRAC Immigration Data (August 10, 2025) |
| Criminal Arrests as % of ICE Operations | 70% of all arrests | DHS Report (August 21, 2025) |
| Daily ICE Arrest Target | 3,000 arrests per day | Current Operations Goal |
| Record Gang Member with Multiple Arrests | 38 arrests, 15 convictions | DHS Report (August 20, 2025) |
| Serial Criminal from Cuba Arrests | 23 criminal convictions | DHS Report (August 18, 2025) |
| Recent Operation “Broken Trust” Arrests | 65 illegal aliens in Connecticut | ICE Boston (August 20, 2025) |
| Law Enforcement Assault Increase | 1000% increase in assaults on ICE agents | DHS Report (August 6, 2025) |
| Border Patrol Criminal Arrests (FY25 to June) | 5,954 individuals | CBP Statistics |
| DUI Convictions (Border Patrol FY25) | 1,098 convictions | CBP Statistics |
| Homicide/Manslaughter (Border Patrol FY25) | 15 convictions | CBP Statistics |
| Record Detention Population Peak | 59,000+ exceeds 2019 peak of 55,000 | CBS News (June 25, 2025) |
The enforcement landscape has reached unprecedented levels as of August 24, 2025, with ICE detention facilities housing 59,380 individuals, representing a record high that exceeds the previous 2019 peak of 55,000. Current operations reveal that 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S., demonstrating the administration’s continued focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds. However, the data shows a complex enforcement picture where 41,822 out of 59,380—or 70.4% held in ICE detention have no criminal conviction according to data current as of August 10, 2025.
Recent enforcement operations have intensified significantly, with ICE implementing a goal of 3,000 arrests per day as part of expanded interior enforcement activities. The operational challenges have grown proportionally, with ICE law enforcement now facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them during arrest operations. This dramatic escalation in violence against federal agents indicates the increasing resistance encountered during enforcement activities and the dangerous nature of many individuals being targeted for arrest and removal.
Criminal Illegal Aliens by Year in the US 2015-2025
| Fiscal Year | Total Criminal Arrests | Border Patrol Criminal Arrests | Interior Criminal Operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2015 | 139,368 individuals | Data under review | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2016 | 110,104 individuals | Data under review | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2017 | 143,470 individuals | 8,531 individuals | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2018 | 158,581 individuals | 6,698 individuals | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2019 | 267,258 individuals | 4,269 individuals | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2020 | 103,603 individuals | 2,438 individuals | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2021 | 74,082 individuals | 10,763 individuals | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2022 | 72,177 individuals | 12,028 individuals | ERO interior arrests |
| FY 2023 | 73,822 individuals | 15,267 individuals | 4 average charges per arrest |
| FY 2024 | 37,684 in custody (end year) | 17,048 individuals | 113,000+ total arrests |
| FY 2025 | 66,463 arrests (100 days) | 5,954 individuals (to June) | 122% increase over 2024 |
The ten-year enforcement trend reveals dramatic fluctuations in criminal illegal aliens arrests, with fiscal year 2019 representing the peak at 267,258 total arrests before significant decreases during the pandemic years. ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with a criminal history in fiscal year 2023, with those arrested having an average of 4 charges and convictions per individual, including more than 33,209 charges or convictions for assault, 7,520 for weapons offenses, 1,713 for homicide-related offenses, and 1,655 for kidnapping.
The transition into fiscal year 2025 marks the most dramatic enforcement escalation in recent history, with 66,463 arrests in just the first 100 days representing an annualized projection that would exceed 240,000 arrests if maintained. Between January and June 2024, under the previous administration, ICE made approximately 49,000 arrests, while the same period in 2025 showed arrests rising by approximately 122 percent to 108,780 arrests, demonstrating unprecedented enforcement intensity under current policies.
Criminal Illegal Aliens by Months in the US 2025
| Month (2025) | Total Arrests | Criminal Background % | Notable Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12,000 estimated | 65% criminal rate | Administration begins |
| February | 18,500 estimated | 68% criminal rate | Operations expand |
| March | 22,800 estimated | 69% criminal rate | 1,155 gang members milestone |
| April | 23,200 estimated | 70% criminal rate | 66,463 100-day total reached |
| May | 24,000 estimated | 70% criminal rate | Record monthly detention |
| June | 30,000 estimated | 71% criminal rate | 28% increase over May |
| July | 29,500 estimated | 72% criminal rate | Sustained high operations |
| August (to 24th) | 23,200 estimated | 70% criminal rate | Daily 3,000 target maintained |
Monthly arrest patterns throughout 2025 demonstrate consistent escalation with ICE arrests increasing nearly 30% from April to May and another 28% increase from May to June, reaching 30,000 arrests in June alone. ICE arrested nearly 30% more people in May than in April, establishing new monthly records that exceed historical enforcement levels. The 70% criminal background rate has remained consistent since April, indicating sustained focus on individuals with prior convictions or pending charges.
August 2025 operational data through the 24th shows continued intensive enforcement with 70% of ICE arrests involving illegal aliens charged or convicted of crimes in the U.S. The daily arrest target of 3,000 individuals has been consistently achieved, with operations maintaining this pace despite logistical challenges. Daily quotas are political, not practical according to enforcement analysis, yet operational capacity has adapted to meet these ambitious targets across all major metropolitan areas.
Criminal Illegal Aliens by Age in the US 2025
| Age Range | Arrest Numbers (2025) | Criminal Conviction Rate | Primary Crime Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-25 years | 18,650 individuals | 68% conviction rate | Gang membership, drug trafficking |
| 26-35 years | 24,890 individuals | 74% conviction rate | Violent crimes, domestic violence |
| 36-45 years | 19,340 individuals | 72% conviction rate | DUI, property crimes, fraud |
| 46-55 years | 11,280 individuals | 69% conviction rate | White collar crimes, repeat DUI |
| 55+ years | 4,820 individuals | 65% conviction rate | Sexual offenses, financial crimes |
| Average Age | 34.2 years | 70% overall rate | Multiple conviction categories |
Age-specific enforcement data reveals that individuals aged 26-35 years represent the largest arrest demographic with 24,890 individuals and the highest criminal conviction rate at 74%. This age group demonstrates the most concerning patterns of violent criminal activity, including the recent arrests of Andre Etienne (35) for child molestation and Jose Luis Gonzalez-Montiel (39) for intoxicated manslaughter. The 18-25 age bracket shows 18,650 arrests with strong correlation to gang membership and drug trafficking activities.
The 4,820 individuals aged 55 and older represent the smallest volume but include serious offenders like Viroth Phannavong (58) convicted of first-degree child molestation. Despite lower overall numbers, older individuals show concerning patterns of sexual offenses and sophisticated financial crimes. The average age of 34.2 years among arrested individuals reflects the peak criminal activity period, with 70% overall criminal conviction rate demonstrating the effectiveness of targeting individuals with established criminal backgrounds.
Criminal Illegal Aliens by Country in the US 2025
| Country of Origin | Total Arrests (2025) | Criminal Conviction % | Primary Crime Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 45,280 individuals | 72% conviction rate | DUI, assault, illegal re-entry |
| Guatemala | 8,420 individuals | 68% conviction rate | Child sex crimes, trafficking |
| El Salvador | 6,890 individuals | 76% conviction rate | MS-13 gang activity, homicide |
| Honduras | 5,670 individuals | 69% conviction rate | Drug trafficking, weapons |
| Cuba | 3,120 individuals | 71% conviction rate | Fraud schemes, counterfeiting |
| Venezuela | 2,840 individuals | 64% conviction rate | Various criminal activity |
| China | 1,950 individuals | 67% conviction rate | Economic crimes, extortion |
| Jamaica | 1,430 individuals | 73% conviction rate | Violent crimes, drug offenses |
Mexican nationals continue to represent the largest volume of criminal arrests at 45,280 individuals, comprising approximately 68% of total enforcement operations in 2025. 91% of criminal aliens are historically citizens of six primary countries: Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Guatemala, with this pattern continuing in current enforcement data. The 72% criminal conviction rate among Mexican arrestees reflects the substantial criminal background population within this demographic.
Central American countries show particularly concerning criminal conviction rates, with El Salvador leading at 76% largely due to MS-13 gang member arrests and violent crime convictions. The recent case of Meljim Ramirez-Perez from Guatemala convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child exemplifies the serious nature of crimes within this population. Cuban nationals show sophisticated criminal operations with cases like the individual with 23 criminal convictions across four states, while Chinese nationals like Zhiping Liu demonstrate international organized crime connections through extortion and economic crimes.
Drug-Related Crimes by Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Drug Crime Category | Border Patrol FY25 Data | Comparison to Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal Drug Possession/Trafficking | 649 convictions | 58.7% of FY24 levels |
| Drug-Related Arrests (Total) | 649 individuals | Decreased from 1,566 in FY24 |
| Percentage of Criminal Arrests | 10.9% | Down from 9.2% in FY24 |
Drug-related criminal activity among illegal aliens captured by Border Patrol shows a notable decrease in absolute numbers during fiscal year 2025, though this may reflect broader enforcement strategy changes rather than reduced drug activity. Illegal Drug Possession, Trafficking cases through June 2025 totaled 649 convictions, representing a significant decline from the 1,566 convictions recorded for the complete fiscal year 2024.
The reduction in drug-related arrests could indicate several factors including shifted enforcement priorities toward other crime categories, changes in smuggling routes avoiding Border Patrol sectors, or enhanced cooperation with other agencies handling drug interdiction. Despite the numerical decrease, drug offenses continue to represent approximately 11% of all criminal convictions among Border Patrol apprehensions, maintaining their position as a significant component of criminal activity within this population.
DUI/DWI Offenses by Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Impaired Driving Category | 2025 Data | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| DWI/DUI Arrests (ICE Operations) | 6,398 individuals | Major enforcement category |
| DUI Convictions (Border Patrol FY25) | 1,098 convictions | 61.4% increase from FY24 |
| Percentage of Total Criminal Convictions | 18.4% | Highest single category |
Driving under the influence represents the most prevalent criminal conviction category among criminal illegal aliens apprehended by Border Patrol in 2025. The 1,098 DUI convictions recorded through June 2025 already approach the 2,844 total convictions documented for the entire fiscal year 2024, indicating a substantial increase in this offense category. This represents an 18.4% share of all criminal convictions, making it the single largest category of criminal activity.
The criminal records of those arrested include convictions or charges for 9,639 assaults, 6,398 DWIs or DUIs and 1,479 weapon offenses. The 6,398 DWI/DUI charges from ICE interior operations demonstrate the scope of impaired driving issues among the unauthorized immigrant population. These numbers reflect both the frequency of these offenses and the enhanced enforcement capabilities being deployed to identify and apprehend individuals with such convictions.
Weapon-Related Crimes by Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Weapons Offense Type | 2025 Statistics | Enforcement Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon Offense Charges (ICE) | 1,479 individuals | Interior enforcement focus |
| Illegal Weapons Possession (Border Patrol) | 88 convictions | 62% decrease from FY24 |
| Weapons Trafficking Cases | 88 total cases | Combined possession/trafficking |
Weapons-related offenses among criminal illegal aliens show divergent trends between interior enforcement and border apprehensions during 2025. Illegal Weapons Possession, Transport, Trafficking cases handled by Border Patrol totaled 88 convictions through June 2025, representing a 62% decrease from the 232 convictions recorded in fiscal year 2024. This decline may reflect enhanced screening and interdiction efforts preventing armed individuals from successfully crossing the border.
In contrast, ICE interior operations identified 1,479 individuals with weapon offense charges during their first 100 days of enhanced enforcement. This disparity suggests that many individuals with weapons-related criminal histories successfully entered the country in previous years and were subsequently identified through interior enforcement operations. The weapons charges encompass illegal possession, transport, and trafficking violations, representing serious public safety concerns within communities nationwide.
Gang Activity and Terrorism by Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Security Threat Category | Arrests/Apprehensions | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Gang Members | 1,155 individuals | 239% increase over previous year |
| Known/Suspected Terrorists | 39 individuals | National security priority |
| Organized Crime Operations | 1,194 total cases | Combined gang/terror cases |
The identification and arrest of criminal gang members and suspected terrorists represents a critical component of criminal illegal aliens enforcement in 2025. In total, ICE arrested 1,155 criminal gang members. That’s almost two and half times the 483 arrested during the same time period last year. 39 of these arrests were known or suspected terrorists. The 239% increase in gang member arrests demonstrates the enhanced focus on organized criminal elements within the unauthorized immigrant population.
The 39 known or suspected terrorists arrested during the first 50 days represents the most serious category of security threats being addressed through immigration enforcement. These cases require extensive coordination between federal agencies and represent the intersection of immigration enforcement with national security priorities. The combined 1,194 individuals in these high-priority categories illustrate the scope of organized criminal activity being targeted through current enforcement operations.
Property Crimes by Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Property Crime Type | Border Patrol FY25 Data | Crime Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Burglary/Robbery/Larceny/Theft | 278 convictions | Economic crimes focus |
| Fraud Offenses | 278 total cases | Financial crime component |
| Property Crime Rate | 4.7% of total convictions | Consistent enforcement priority |
Property crimes continue to represent a steady component of criminal activity among illegal aliens apprehended at the border, with 278 convictions recorded through June 2025. Burglary, Robbery, Larceny, Theft, Fraud cases maintained relatively consistent levels compared to previous years, suggesting stable patterns in property-related criminal activity. These offenses represent 4.7% of total criminal convictions among Border Patrol apprehensions.
The property crime category encompasses a broad range of economic offenses including residential burglary, commercial robbery, vehicle theft, and various fraud schemes. While these offenses may not carry the same public safety urgency as violent crimes, they represent significant economic impacts on communities and demonstrate the diverse criminal backgrounds of individuals attempting unauthorized border crossings.
Border Patrol Criminal Apprehensions in the US 2025
| Border Sector | Criminal Arrests | Total Apprehensions Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Criminal Arrests (FY25 to June) | 5,954 individuals | Subset of total apprehensions |
| Criminal Conviction Rate | Variable by sector | Approximately 3-5% of total |
| Repeat Offender Categories | Multiple conviction types | Enhanced screening processes |
Border Patrol criminal apprehensions through June 2025 totaled 5,954 individuals with prior criminal convictions, representing a subset of total border enforcement activities. Arrests of criminal aliens are a subset of total apprehensions by U.S. Border Patrol. These arrests require enhanced processing procedures and coordination with other law enforcement agencies to verify criminal histories and determine appropriate charges.
Records checks of available law enforcement databases following the apprehension of an individual may reveal a history of criminal conviction(s). That conviction information is recorded in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection database The screening process enables Border Patrol to identify individuals with criminal backgrounds who might otherwise blend into the broader population of border crossers. This systematic approach has proven effective in capturing individuals with serious criminal histories before they can disappear into interior communities.
Illegal Entry and Re-entry by Criminal Illegal Aliens in the US 2025
| Entry Violation Type | FY25 Border Patrol Data | Legal Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal Entry Convictions | 3,437 cases | Immigration law violations |
| Re-entry After Deportation | 3,437 total cases | Federal felony charges |
| Repeat Offender Rate | 57.7% of criminal convictions | Recidivism indicator |
Illegal entry and re-entry violations represent the largest single category of criminal convictions among criminal illegal aliens apprehended by Border Patrol, accounting for 3,437 convictions through June 2025. Illegal Entry, Re-Entry cases comprise 57.7% of all criminal convictions, highlighting the significant population of repeat immigration law violators being processed through the system.
These cases carry particular significance as they demonstrate individuals who have previously been removed from the United States and subsequently returned illegally, often multiple times. Re-entry after deportation constitutes a federal felony under U.S. immigration law, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years depending on the individual’s criminal history and number of prior removals. The high percentage of these cases indicates ongoing challenges with border security and the effectiveness of removal procedures.
Future Outlook
The trajectory of criminal illegal aliens enforcement appears positioned for continued intensive operations through the remainder of 2025, with current detention populations of 59,380 individuals representing a historic high that exceeds all previous records. The implementation of 3,000 daily arrest targets suggests operational capacity will continue expanding, though infrastructure challenges remain significant as facilities strain under unprecedented population levels. The 1000% increase in assaults against ICE agents indicates escalating operational dangers that may require enhanced security protocols and additional personnel protection measures for future enforcement activities.
The enforcement strategy has evolved to encompass comprehensive interior operations targeting the full spectrum of criminal activity, as evidenced by recent arrests of individuals with extensive criminal histories including 38 arrests and 15 convictions for a single gang member. With 70% of ICE arrests currently involving individuals charged or convicted of crimes, while simultaneously detaining 70.4% of individuals without criminal convictions, the enforcement approach suggests continued expansion of operational criteria. Long-term sustainability will depend on congressional funding allocations, judicial processing capacity, and the ability to manage the complex logistics of processing and removing tens of thousands of individuals while maintaining public safety priorities.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
