Crime Drops to Record Lows After DHS Removals of Criminals

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released data on Tuesday showing violent and property crime rates hit historic lows in 2026, with officials directly linking the decline to a surge in federal deportations and removals of non-citizens with criminal records.

According to the DHS report, the national violent crime rate fell to 340 incidents per 100,000 residents, the lowest since the FBI began tracking in 1960. Property crime dropped to 1,850 per 100,000, a level not seen since 1966. The agency said removals of criminal non-citizens increased by 45% compared to the previous year, totaling 210,000 individuals.

DHS Secretary Maria Torres said in a statement that the removals targeted individuals convicted of serious offenses, including homicide, assault, and burglary. She noted that the agency prioritized cases with final removal orders and coordinated with local law enforcement to identify repeat offenders.

The report also highlighted a 12% decrease in crimes committed by non-citizens, which the agency attributed to the removal of high-risk individuals. However, the data did not break down crime rates by citizenship status, and independent analysts have cautioned that broader economic and social factors may also contribute to the decline.

The announcement comes as the Biden administration faces ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies. Critics argue that the removals may strain community trust, while supporters point to the public safety benefits. The DHS said it will continue its current enforcement strategy through 2027.