Over 1.4 million noncitizens remain in US despite deportation orders

Newly obtained figures reveal that more than 1.4 million noncitizens in the United States have final deportation orders but are not currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Among them, nearly 40,000 Chinese nationals remain in the country despite having been ordered to leave.

According to ICE data as of November 24, 2024, a total of 1,445,549 foreign nationals are on the agency’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal. The non-detained docket includes individuals undergoing deportation proceedings or awaiting removal while not being held in ICE detention facilities. In total, more than 7 million people are currently listed on this docket, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The majority of these individuals originate from Latin American countries, with the largest numbers coming from Mexico (252,044), Guatemala (253,413), Honduras (261,651), and El Salvador (203,822). Other significant figures include China (37,908), Haiti (32,363), Iran (2,618), Pakistan (776), Uzbekistan (975), and Venezuela (22,749).

The growing number of noncitizens on the non-detained docket presents a significant challenge for the incoming Trump administration, which has pledged to carry out large-scale deportations. Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan stated that while public safety threats will take priority, the administration aims to deport as many individuals as possible.

Despite these efforts, ICE officials note that deportation is not always straightforward. Legal appeals, asylum claims, and diplomatic roadblocks often hinder removal proceedings. Some individuals are granted deportation protections, including asylum or relief under the Convention Against Torture. Additionally, ICE’s ability to execute removals depends on cooperation from foreign governments. Some nations refuse to accept deported individuals, complicating enforcement efforts.

The Biden administration has taken steps to address deportation challenges, including conducting multiple repatriation flights. Just this week, officials confirmed the fourth deportation flight to China in under six months. However, with deportation numbers rising and political tensions influencing immigration policy, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.

As the new administration takes office in January, immigration enforcement will likely be a focal point of policy discussions. The fate of millions of noncitizens with pending deportation orders will depend on legal rulings, international negotiations, and the evolving priorities of the federal government.

By Vugar Khalilov