Redactions by DHS in Deportation Data Amid Ongoing Investigation
Documents obtained by the Daily Caller indicate that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration has redacted deportation statistics in response to a lawsuit from the Oversight Project.
The first report released to this independent organization showed all fields completely redacted.
The two-page document, labeled “CBP Home Voluntary Self-Departures Summary” and dated September 30, 2026, had all of its content redacted by DHS citing FOIA exemptions (b)(5), which protects deliberative processes and attorney-client communications, and (b)(7)(E), which shields law enforcement methods. Interestingly, the document retained only its title, date, one footnote, and the agency’s seal.
This redaction effort aligns with the Oversight Project’s pursuit to obtain federal deportation statistics. The organization initiated its Two Commas Compliance Tracker back in May and submitted eight FOIA requests to DHS, ICE, and CBP, including inquiries regarding self-deportations via the CBP Home app. Following a lack of response, a lawsuit was filed in July.
As of now, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 annual enforcement report, which is unexpected since it’s been over a year since that fiscal year ended on September 30, 2025. The agency’s webpage still lists the FY 2024 report as the latest, updated last on July 27, 2026. The FY 2024 report was made available on December 19, 2024, roughly two and a half months after that year concluded; hence, one would have anticipated the FY 2025 report to follow a similar timeline.
The Oversight Project has also started a second investigation in September examining data from May 2026 onward while waiting for ICE’s overdue FY 2025 report.
Interesting breakdown of detention statistics. This write-up also mentions that ~80% of these detentions lead to removals, suggesting we might be nearing 500k since January 2025. That’s what I estimated last month. It would help if the deportation data were just released. https://t.co/oz6fqxfAFU
— Mike Howell (@MHowellTweets) October 6, 2026
Responding to DHS’s withholding of deportation figures, President Mike Howell pointed out, “When DHS adopts the policies of Obama and Biden, they can only expect similar deportation numbers. Anyone who’s paying attention knows that 3 million people haven’t been deported or opted to self-deport.”
Howell additionally criticized statements from what he called “paid influencers,” suggesting that the reluctance to release the figures stems from low deportation counts. “Even those who follow the same narrative must know it’s inaccurate. The truth is, these numbers are redacted because they are low. The figures could improve if the Administration listened to Trump’s campaign promises, instead of the panicked consultants and interest groups that support illegal labor,” he stated.
The Oversight Project, which transitioned from The Heritage Foundation to become an independent entity in 2025, focuses on investigations and advocacy.
Scott Mechkowski, a Visiting Fellow for Deportation Studies with the Oversight Project, remarked that achieving three million deportations isn’t feasible considering the government’s enforcement limitations, labeling DHS’s redaction of deportation data as “a slap in the face.”
“With my 24 years of experience in federal immigration enforcement, I understand the complexities involved in arresting, detaining, and processing individuals. Three million removals are simply not achievable,” he said.
🚨 Operation Deportation, a new Daily Caller documentary available Friday, August 29, pulls back the curtain on the law enforcement blitz that promises to change America and reverse the disaster that was Biden’s presidency. https://t.co/9YBFdKshOs
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 27, 2025
Mechkowski asserted that even if you consider ICE removals, Border Patrol returns, expedited deportations, voluntary returns, and other confirmed departures, the total would likely remain below three million. He also noted the absence of worksite enforcement and a federal E-Verify mandate.
“If DHS stands by the figure of three million, they should release the data. If they can’t, it’s time for someone to clarify why the President is relying on numbers that don’t seem plausible,” he added.
A report mentioned that the publication of essential detention data was hindered during a DHS funding lapse earlier this year.
The Caller reached out to DHS and the White House for comments but did not receive any response prior to publication.
