Particle.news
Download on the App Store

DHS Rolls Out Searchable ‘Worst of the Worst’ ICE Arrests Database

Critics question DHS’s “worst” label, citing concerns over the dataset’s scope.

Overview

  • The new site (wow.dhs.gov / dhs.gov/wow) debuts with about 10,000 entries and lets users search by state or country of origin, listing names, photos, nationalities, arrest locations, and prior charges or convictions.
  • DHS promotes the database as a transparency tool that shows the public who ICE is arresting and removing from communities.
  • ICE publicized recent arrests of convicted pedophiles, drug traffickers, and violent offenders in multiple states, which officials say are reflected in the listings.
  • DHS says it will post regular “worst of the worst” weekly roundups on the site highlighting recent arrests by ICE.
  • A Cato Institute analysis argues the list represents roughly 4% of ICE arrests since January 20 and includes many nonviolent or immigration-only offenses and some duplicate entries, raising questions about definitions and data quality.