Data shared by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revealed that 1,282 Kenyans are among 1.4 million immigrants on the US deportation list, as of November 24, 2024.
These individuals, listed as non-detained, have been issued court orders to leave the United States.
In response to questions from Fox News, ICE confirmed that the data shows a total of 1,445,549 non-U.S. citizens on the agency’s non-detained docket.
A “non-detained docket” refers to a list maintained by ICE that includes individuals who are considered removable non-citizens currently residing in the United States but are not in ICE detention.
Essentially, it’s a list of individuals who are not in custody but remain targets for potential deportation actions.
1,282 Kenyans Among 1.4 Million Immigrants on the US Deportation List
While these individuals may not be detained, ICE has the authority to deport them, especially when there is a final order of removal issued by an immigration court.
A final order of removal is a court order requiring an immigrant to leave the United States.
This order is issued by an immigration judge after ruling against the immigrant’s case, typically due to violations of immigration laws, criminal convictions, or expired immigration status.
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Although the non-detained docket individuals are not currently held in ICE custody, they may still face deportation, and in some cases, they could be deported without a court order under the expedited removal process.
ICE clarified that it cannot provide specific reasons for why certain noncitizens with final orders of removal remain in the U.S., despite legal mandates for their deportation.
According to ICE, Title 8 of the US Code allows for the removal of noncitizens who have been issued final orders of removal by an immigration judge or other lawful authority.
This includes individuals processed under expedited removal, provided they have not claimed a fear of return or received a negative credible fear determination.
However, the customs authority emphasized that this process does not guarantee that all individuals seeking to remain in the US will be successful.
ICE Explains Challenges in Deporting Noncitizens Despite Final Orders of Removal
ICE also noted that noncitizens may pursue relief from removal, including asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If granted such relief, ICE is unable to carry out their deportation.
In addition, ICE highlighted that delays in deportation can occur due to a lack of cooperation from foreign governments.
“The U.S. Government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States. Lack of cooperation from the foreign government delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,” ICE said.
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To address these delays, ICE has called for foreign governments to take steps to confirm the citizenship of noncitizens suspected to be their nationals.
This includes conducting interviews, issuing travel documents promptly, and ensuring the acceptance of deported individuals via scheduled commercial or charter flights in alignment with both ICE and foreign government removal guidelines.
This report comes amid the newly inaugurated government of Donald Trump, which has enforced stricter immigration policies, resulting in the arrest of nearly 1,000 people, according to ICE.
The administration’s extended immigration authority has fueled multi-agency enforcement operations aimed at addressing immigration violations.
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