Recent debates about immigration in the United States often focus on the perceived link between undocumented immigrants and crime. However, the best available data reveal a reality that is starkly different from popular perception: less than 1% of undocumented immigrants are incarcerated or convicted of crimes in the United States—a rate that is significantly lower than that of native-born Americans123.
The Data on Incarceration and Conviction
According to comprehensive analyses of incarceration rates, in 2023, native-born Americans had an incarceration rate of 1,221 per 100,000, while undocumented immigrants had a rate of 613 per 100,000—about half that of native-born citizens1. Legal immigrants had an even lower rate, at 319 per 100,0001. When translated, this means that approximately 0.6% of undocumented immigrants are incarcerated at any given time.
Conviction rates tell a similar story. In Texas, for example, the criminal conviction rate for undocumented immigrants was 782 per 100,000 between 2012 and 2018, compared to 1,422 per 100,000 for native-born Americans—about 45% lower2. These numbers include all types of criminal convictions, not just violent offenses.
Crime Rates and Public Perception
Despite the data, public perception often associates undocumented immigrants with higher crime rates. This perception is fueled by isolated high-profile incidents and political rhetoric, rather than empirical evidence45. Research consistently shows that undocumented immigrants are less likely to be arrested for violent, property, or drug crimes than native-born Americans23.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that U.S.-born citizens are more than twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5 times more likely for drug crimes, and over four times more likely for property crimes than undocumented immigrants2. Furthermore, cities with higher immigrant populations tend to have lower crime rates overall, suggesting that immigration may actually contribute to community safety345.
Why Are Crime Rates Lower Among Undocumented Immigrants?
Several factors may explain why undocumented immigrants have lower crime rates. First, the fear of deportation acts as a strong deterrent against criminal behavior, as undocumented individuals are keen to avoid drawing attention from law enforcement65. Second, immigrant communities often have strong social networks and family structures, which provide support and discourage criminal activity45. Finally, economic revitalization in areas with high immigrant populations may reduce incentives for crime by increasing job opportunities6.
The Importance of Accurate Data
One challenge in studying crime among undocumented immigrants is the lack of comprehensive data collection. Immigration status is not always recorded in crime statistics, making it difficult to obtain precise numbers1. Nonetheless, the available evidence consistently shows that undocumented immigrants are less likely to be involved in criminal activity than native-born Americans123.
Conclusion
The narrative that undocumented immigrants are more likely to commit crimes is not supported by the evidence. In fact, less than 1% of undocumented immigrants are incarcerated or convicted of crimes in the United States, a rate significantly lower than that of native-born Americans123. As policymakers and the public continue to debate immigration, it is essential to base decisions on accurate data rather than misconceptions.
Sources:
- https://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/illegal-immigrant-incarceration-rates-2010-2023
- https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2014704117
- https://www.futurity.org/undocumented-immigration-crime-cities-2449872-2/
- https://cssh.northeastern.edu/sociological-research-reveals-how-immigrants-can-reduce-crime/
- https://www.forensicmag.com/3594-All-News/617594-Sociological-Research-Reveals-How-Immigrants-Can-Reduce-Crime/
- https://www.cato.org/blog/why-do-illegal-immigrants-have-low-crime-rate-twelve-possible-explanations
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6241529/
- https://www.asanet.org/sociological-research-reveals-how-immigrants-can-reduce-crime/
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics/criminal-noncitizen-statistics
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-february-2025-monthly-update
- https://www.migrationpolicy.org/content/immigrants-and-crime
- https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/does-immigration-really-increase-crime-347099
- https://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/statistics_inmate_citizenship.jsp
- https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2025.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-arrests-more-immigrants-february-110003552.html
- https://www.judicialwatch.org/illegal-immigrant-criminal-charges/
- https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2014704117
- https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4321925/posts
