Crimes committed by illegal immigrants are estimated to cost U.S. taxpayers at least $166.5 billion, according to data from the Department of Justice (DOJ). A recent report authored by Dr. John R. Lott of the Crime Prevention Research Center sheds light on the severity and financial burden of these crimes, which reportedly far exceed typical American norms.
The analysis draws upon information from the DOJ’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and data provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a letter to Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) in July 2024, ICE disclosed that 662,566 illegal immigrants with criminal histories are listed on the Non-Detained Docket (NDD). These individuals are not in custody but live freely across the United States.
Of the individuals on the NDD, 435,719—or about 65 percent—have prior criminal convictions in their home countries, while another 226,847, roughly 34 percent, face pending criminal charges. This alarming concentration of criminal activity among illegal immigrants raises serious concerns about public safety and resource allocation.
FBI crime statistics further amplify these concerns. In 2023, the rate of convicted killers within the NDD population was more than 13 times higher than the reported homicide rate among U.S. citizens. Dr. Lott’s report highlights the extent of criminal activity among this group, citing 14,944 homicides, 20,061 sexual assaults, 105,146 assaults, 126,343 traffic offenses, and 60,268 cases of burglary, larceny, or robbery.
The financial toll of these crimes is staggering. Lott’s analysis estimates that the economic cost reaches $166.5 billion, with murders accounting for the largest share at $153.8 billion. The report also suggests these figures might underestimate the true costs, as they assume each individual commits only one offense similar to their documented crimes in their home countries.
“The estimate of over $160 billion in costs from criminal illegal aliens is very likely an underestimate,” Dr. Lott wrote. “We are also not counting the costs of half of criminal illegal aliens.” The report underscores that the actual scope of the issue may be much broader than the available data suggests.
In September, NBC News revealed that over 13,000 illegal immigrants convicted of homicide remain outside immigration detention facilities in the U.S. These individuals are part of the NDD, meaning they are known to ICE and have ongoing immigration cases but are not detained due to various limitations.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson defended the data shared with Rep. Gonzales, claiming it was being misinterpreted. The spokesperson emphasized that the information spans four decades, predating the Biden administration, and includes individuals whose custody determinations were made long ago. “The vast majority of these cases are under federal, state, or local law enforcement jurisdiction,” the spokesperson added.
Nonetheless, ICE’s ability to address the issue is constrained by limited resources. Officials state that the agency prioritizes locating and arresting illegal immigrants convicted of severe crimes such as homicide. Despite this focus, ICE faces challenges in managing a docket of over 7.5 million individuals.
The growing attention to these crimes has prompted some jurisdictions to reconsider sanctuary policies. One law enforcement official noted a shift in cooperation with ICE, as more localities begin to reevaluate their stance on working with federal immigration authorities.
Critics argue that the lack of adequate resources for enforcement and detention exacerbates the problem. They stress the need for better coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to manage the rising number of undocumented individuals with criminal records.
Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement contend that these findings underscore the urgent need for policy reform. They argue that more robust measures are required to prevent repeat offenses and alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers.
While the DHS defends its handling of these cases, concerns remain over the apparent leniency in addressing violent offenders among the NDD population. The debate continues to polarize lawmakers and communities alike, with public safety and fiscal responsibility at the forefront of discussions.
As the issue garners national attention, the broader implications for immigration policy and public safety remain a focal point for both advocates and critics. With millions of dollars at stake and lives potentially at risk, the challenge of balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations persists.
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