Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) joined a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tae D. Johnson led by Representative Ben Cline (VA-06) expressing concerns about the Biden Administration’s “catch-and-release” policy of allowing illegal aliens to be removed from custody while awaiting an immigration hearing.

“Given the rising crime we are seeing across the country, it is shocking that the Biden Administration can’t even account for tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who were released from custody last year,” Congressman Emmer said. “President Biden’s border policies have clearly failed, and communities across the country are paying the price. We all deserve immediate answers from Secretary Johnson.”

Background: According to Department of Homeland Security data, in the period between March 21, 2021, and August 31, 2021, 104,171 illegal aliens were released from ICE custody with a Notice to Report to an immigration court within 60 days. Of this group, 47,705 (46%) have not checked in. 

You can read the letter in full here.