US Deportation Agenda
Emerging data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that 3,228 Ghanaians are currently listed on its non-detained docket with final orders of removal. This information highlights the ongoing impact of immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has ramped up enforcement measures since taking office.
As of November 24, 2024, the total number of non-U.S. citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket reached an alarming 1,445,549. This list includes individuals who are considered removable but are not currently in detention. Essentially, these are people living in the United States who could face deportation based on final orders issued by immigration courts.
The current administration’s immigration policy emphasizes the arrest and deportation of individuals deemed to be illegal immigrants. Although the focus has been primarily on those with criminal backgrounds, there are growing concerns about the potential impact on a broader range of undocumented immigrants, including those on the non-detained docket.
A final order of removal is a court directive requiring an individual to leave the United States. This order is typically issued after an immigration judge has ruled against an immigrant’s case, often due to violations of immigration laws or expired immigration status. Despite the existence of these orders, ICE has acknowledged challenges in executing deportations.
Many individuals on the non-detained docket may seek relief from removal, such as asylum or protection under international agreements. If granted, these protections prevent ICE from carrying out deportations. Additionally, the cooperation—or lack thereof—from the individual’s home country can significantly delay the removal process.
From 2021 to 2024, ICE arrested a total of 464 Ghanaians, with 23 of these arrests linked to criminal convictions. The majority were apprehended for other immigration violations. These statistics underscore the complexity of immigration enforcement and the varied circumstances surrounding each case.
