The number of undocumented immigrants deported from the U.S. fell to about 370,000 in 2013, from about 410,000 last year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Thursday.
The department attributed this year’s number of deporations, the lowest during President Obama’s administration, to its increased focus on undocumented immigrants who have committed a crime.
“The FY2013 numbers make clear that we are enforcing our nation’s laws in a smart and effective way, meeting our enforcement priorities by focusing on convicted criminals while also continuing to secure our nation’s borders in partnership with CBP,” Acting ICE Director John Sandweg said in a statement. “Ninety eight percent of those removed in the last year met one of our key priorities – a record high and a testament to the men and women of ICE who are helping to implement a strong and focused immigration enforcement strategy.”
