New data reveals a significant number of Chinese nationals are among the over 1.4 million non-citizens in the U.S. with deportation orders but not currently held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As of November 24, 2024, nearly 40,000 Chinese individuals are included in this group, adding to the growing backlog of deportations.

The non-detained docket, encompassing those with final removal orders or undergoing proceedings but not in ICE custody, has swelled to over 7 million individuals. This figure also includes those incarcerated by other law enforcement agencies. The detained docket specifically tracks individuals held by ICE.

While Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador contribute the largest numbers to the non-detained docket, the presence of Chinese nationals raises concerns, particularly given ongoing geopolitical tensions and anxieties about espionage. Recent incidents, such as the alleged shipment of weapons to North Korea by a Chinese national residing illegally in California, have further fueled these worries.

The reasons behind the difficulty in deporting these individuals are multifaceted. ICE cites various factors, including pending appeals, alternative deportation protections, and granted forms of relief like asylum or protection under the Convention Against Torture. The agency estimates that approximately 55% of the final orders are currently executable, though this figure remains subject to change.

The substantial increase in the non-detained docket, from 3.7 million in 2021 to over 7 million in 2023, presents a significant challenge for the incoming Trump administration and its planned mass deportation efforts. Prioritizing public safety threats is a stated objective, but officials have indicated that no undocumented immigrant is exempt from potential deportation. Furthermore, the administration faces diplomatic hurdles, including the refusal of certain countries to accept repatriation flights. Fifteen nations are currently designated as "uncooperative" in this regard, with another eleven at risk of non-compliance.

This situation underscores the complex landscape of immigration enforcement and the numerous obstacles to effective deportation. The incoming administration will need to navigate these challenges while addressing concerns about national security and diplomatic relations.