December 08, 2025
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ICE warns Illinois over releasing detainees

ICE sent a letter, shared with Fox News Digital, warning Illinois officials that state and local agencies are releasing violent criminal noncitizens despite active immigration detainers, which the agency says endangers public safety. ICE reports 1,768 criminal aliens with active detainers have been released since January 2025 and another 4,015 with pending detainers remain in custody, including individuals linked to 51 homicides and more than 800 sexual‑predatory offenses; the agency cited multiple cases where local authorities failed to notify ICE before release and asked whether Illinois will change course.

Immigration Enforcement Illinois Public Safety

📌 Key Facts

  • ICE official Todd Lyons authored the letter warning Illinois about releases despite detainers.
  • ICE says 1,768 criminal aliens with active detainers were released since Jan. 2025.
  • ICE reports 4,015 with pending detainers remain in custody, including links to 51 homicides and 800+ sexual‑predatory offenses.