U.S. deportations reached a decade high under President Biden in fiscal year 2024, with over 271,000 removals driven by increased border enforcement and expanded international repatriation efforts.
In fiscal year 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported approximately 271,000 individuals, marking the highest number of deportations since 2014 and surpassing figures from any year during President Donald Trump’s 2017-2021 term.
Upon taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden pledged to adopt a more humane approach to immigration enforcement, including a 100-day pause on deportations. However, a surge in illegal border crossings and mounting political pressure prompted a shift toward stricter enforcement measures. The increase in deportations can be attributed to several factors, including expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa and Asia that had previously been reluctant to accept deportees. Improved diplomatic efforts also enhanced cooperation with these nations, facilitating the repatriation process.
Operational Strategies and International Cooperation
The increase in deportations can be attributed to several strategic adjustments. ICE expanded deportation flights, including to countries in Africa and Asia that had previously been reluctant to accept deportees. Enhanced diplomatic efforts improved cooperation with these nations, facilitating the repatriation process. Notably, Mexico remained the most common destination for deportees, followed by Guatemala and Honduras.
Despite the rise in deportations, ICE arrests of undocumented immigrants within the U.S. interior decreased by 33% compared to the previous year. This decline is largely due to a reallocation of resources, with more officers focusing on border security operations in response to the influx of migrants.
The figure represents the highest number of deportations since 2014, surpassing the peak during President Trump’s term in 2019.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Trump Administrations
During President Trump’s first term, ICE removed 267,000 immigrants in fiscal year 2019, fewer than under President Barack Obama, who was often labeled the “deporter-in-chief” by immigrant advocates. Combined deportations and returns to Mexico were higher under Biden in fiscal 2023 than in any Trump year, indicating a significant escalation in enforcement actions.
Comparative Analysis of Deportations Under Recent U.S. Presidents
| President | Fiscal Year | Number of Deportations |
| Barack Obama | 2016 | 240,255 |
| Donald Trump | 2019 | 267,000 |
| Joe Biden | 2024 | 271,000 |
Implications for Future Immigration Policy
Looking ahead, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to launch the “largest deportation operation in history” upon taking office on January 20, 2025. His plan includes the deportation of up to 20 million undocumented immigrants, a proposal that presents significant logistical and financial challenges. Critics argue that such large-scale deportations could have detrimental effects on the U.S. economy, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on immigrant labor, such as agriculture and construction.
Public Opinion and Political Landscape
Public opinion on immigration remains divided. While there is support for stricter border enforcement, there is also significant backing for providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, especially those brought to the U.S. as children. The challenge for policymakers lies in balancing these perspectives to develop comprehensive immigration reforms that address security concerns while recognizing the contributions of immigrants to American society.
The record number of deportations under the Biden administration underscores the complexities of U.S. immigration policy. As the nation prepares for a new administration with a markedly different approach to immigration enforcement, the debate over how to manage and reform the system is poised to remain a central issue in American politics.
