In a heated interview on Meet the Press on December 8, President-elect Donald Trump faced live fact-checking over his claims about migration statistics. The discussion, led by host Kristen Welker, centered around Trump’s statements about the number of noncitizens convicted of homicide in the United States.
During the interview, Trump claimed:
“So we had 11,000, and 13,000, there are different estimates. 13,099 murderers released into our country in the last three years. They’re walking down the streets. They’re walking next to you, and your family.”
Welker immediately questioned his figures, pointing out, “The 13,000 figure I think goes back about 40 years.” Trump dismissed her correction, saying, “No, it doesn’t,” and insisted that the statistics came from the Border Patrol during the Biden Administration.
The numbers Trump referred to stem from a 2024 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) letter. It revealed that 13,099 “noncitizens” convicted of homicide are currently living in the U.S. However, as a DHS official clarified in October, this figure has been misunderstood by some politicians. “It also includes many who are under the jurisdiction or currently incarcerated by federal, state, or local law enforcement partners,” the official told the BBC. In simple terms, many of these individuals are not freely walking the streets, as Trump suggested.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Additionally, DHS noted that these figures represent individuals who entered the U.S. over the past 40 years or more. Most of these cases were decided long before President Joe Biden took office.
This isn’t the first time such numbers have been cited. A similar report released during Trump’s previous administration showed that over 400,000 noncitizens convicted of crimes were living in the U.S. Like the recent data, these numbers accumulated over decades, reflecting the actions of multiple administrations—not just one. Trump’s claims highlight the ongoing debate over how migration data is presented and interpreted. Accurate information is vital to understanding the challenges of immigration policies.
In the same interview, Trump also pledged to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented migrants. He called the policy “ridiculous” and said, “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous,” explaining he plans to take action through an executive order. This proposal has sparked significant debate, as many legal experts argue that birthright citizenship is protected by the U.S. Constitution under the 14th Amendment. Trump’s statement that the U.S. is the only country with this policy is also inaccurate. In reality, at least 30 other nations, including Canada and the U.K., offer automatic citizenship to those born within their borders.
Trump further discussed plans to deport entire families of undocumented migrants, echoing the views of his new Border Czar, Tom Homan. “The only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back,” Trump told Welker. Homan, known for his strict stance on immigration, has previously hinted at such policies. While some see this as a way to uphold family unity, critics argue that mass deportations are inhumane and disruptive.
As Trump gets ready to become president again, people are asking big questions about what his immigration plans really mean. Some of his fans love his no-nonsense approach, but others are worried about how it might hurt families and people just trying to build a better life in the U.S. The facts, as always, remain essential. As Kristen Welker demonstrated during the interview, holding leaders accountable for their words is critical in ensuring informed public debate.
Featured image via Screengrab
