Media: Trump’s deportation plans hit snag as US immigration facilities overflow 461 migrants released

The administration of US President Donald Trump has released 461 undocumented migrants from custody since he took office, partly due to limited detention space in US immigration facilities.

Despite pledging to abolish the controversial "catch and release" policy, the practice remains part of his administration's immigration strategy as authorities detain large numbers of migrants for deportation, Caliber.Az reports via Axios.

During his election campaign, Trump frequently criticized the Biden administration's reliance on "catch and release." However, with detention facilities nearing capacity, the policy continues to be used.

Under the programme, non-violent undocumented migrants who have been arrested by US agents are released after agreeing to appear before an immigration court for their cases to be heard. Many are required to wear wristbands or ankle monitors or check in regularly by telephone so that authorities can track them until their hearings.

According to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), those released account for fewer than 6% of the approximately 8,000 undocumented migrants detained since January 21.

"They do not have final deportation orders and are likely contesting their immigration status," she told Axios in an emailed statement.

McLaughlin explained that several factors influence whether a detainee is released, including a lack of space for female detainees, the likelihood of imminent deportation, and humanitarian considerations.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has reportedly been detaining a significant number of individuals with criminal records who require extended detention.

McLaughlin added that ICE is appealing to Congress for additional funding to expand partnerships with local law enforcement and expedite case reviews to deport those with final removal orders.

Currently, US immigration detention facilities house around 41,500 people daily. Trump has previously vowed to deport "millions" of unauthorized migrants and aims to double the system’s detention capacity.

The administration has begun securing agreements with sheriff’s offices and other facilities, while also planning the construction of new detention centres.

By Aghakazim Guliyev