The number of deportations carried out by President Barack Obama's administration continues to rise, reaching a historically high level.
In FY 2013, 20 thousand more people were deported than in FY 2012 and 51 thousand more than in FY 2011.
In total, 438,421 persons were deported during fiscal year 2013 (October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013), compared to 418,397 in fiscal year 2012. In fiscal year 2011, 387,134 persons were deported.
The figures were revealed in an annual report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The report revealed several statistics, including the following:
- DHS apprehended 662,483 aliens. Of this number, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apprehended 420,789 aliens (64 percent), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations apprehended 229,698 aliens, and ICE's Office of Homeland Security Investigations apprehended 11,996 aliens.
- Sixty-four percent of those apprehended were citizens of Mexico.
- CBP determined that 204,108 aliens were inadmissible to the country.
- ICE held 440,557 aliens in detention; 55.5 percent were citizens of Mexico.
- The main countries of origin of deportees were Mexico (72 percent), Guatemala (11 percent), Honduras (8.3 percent) and El Salvador (4.8 percent).
- 178,371 foreigners were returned to their countries of origin through processes that do not require a removal order; 49 percent were citizens of Mexico.
- 193,032 expedited removal orders were processed - 44 percent of all deportations.
- 170,247 final orders of removal were reinstated - 39 percent of all deportations.
- DHS issued 224,185 Notices to Appear before an immigration court.
The report also revealed that 198,394 of those deported had criminal records.
The following graph details the number of foreigners deported in fiscal year 2013 according to the crimes committed:
It is of utmost importance that every immigrant be on his or her best behavior, as criminal acts could result in serious consequences, including deportation.