The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today issued a fact-check summary responding to what it says are multiple false and misleading narratives circulated in media and on social platforms during the month of June. DHS emphasized that the summary is non-exhaustive and aimed at correcting reporting on various Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
In response to claims of overcrowding and neglect at ICE facilities, DHS stated that reports alleging detainees lack meals, medical care, or legal access are “categorically false.” The department asserted that ICE facilities meet higher detention standards than most domestic facilities and indicated ongoing efforts to expeditiously remove detainees with pending immigration violations.
On allegations that fewer than 10% of immigrants arrested by ICE had serious criminal convictions, DHS disputed the figure. The department noted that during the first 100 days of President Trump’s tenure, approximately 70% of ICE arrests involved individuals with criminal charges or convictions. DHS characterized recent enforcement efforts as focused on criminal illegal aliens, citing arrests of gang members, murderers, and rapists.
Regarding claims a Brazilian high school student was placed in solitary confinement, DHS responded that Marcelo Gomes was never held in solitary confinement, and that the Burlington facility in question does not have such a capability. ()
DHS also addressed allegations of racial profiling, including cases in which U.S. citizens were reportedly detained. DHS labeled such accusations “disgusting” and “categorically false,” asserting that enforcement operations are carefully targeted and grounded in investigative evidence. DHS further stated that reported citizen arrests were actually due to charges of assault or obstruction of law enforcement.
Protests and unrest in Los Angeles were also addressed. DHS disputed characterizations of the events as “relatively peaceful,” stating that rioters allegedly threw rocks and Molotov cocktails, set vehicles and buildings on fire, defaced property, and assaulted officers involved in ICE enforcement operations.
On claims that local law enforcement was not notified before ICE operations, DHS said that the Los Angeles Police Department was informed two days before the operation on June 6. The department noted that LAPD reportedly delayed response to federal officers’ calls for assistance, during which time thousands of protesters gathered and staged attacks on ICE personnel and property.
Finally, DHS disputed social media accounts alleging ICE targeted childcare workers in public parks, particularly caregivers in Los Angeles parks, separating children from their lawful caregivers. DHS labeled those claims “unequivocally false,” affirming that ICE’s enforcement actions focus on individuals with criminal histories or suspected terrorism links.
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