Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released nearly 3,000 migrants it had detained over an accidental data leak, the agency said on Thursday.
The leak, which took place on Nov. 28, included 6,200 people that included approximately 1,000 who had already been released.
ICE releases nearly 3,000 detained immigrants affected by accidental data leak https://t.co/Xnbe5vjPbS
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"ICE said the incident came while the agency was performing routine website updates and was up for approximately five hours before it was eventually removed," Fox News reported.
"The document in question contained information related to those in ICE custody on Nov. 19, meaning if they weren't in custody on that date, they were not affected," it added.
ICE releases thousands of migrants affected by data breach - Los Angeles Times https://t.co/asVUBQ6smt
— MP Carroll (@Miniomaha) January 20, 2023
"Although inadvertent, ICE put lives at risk through this data breach," said Heidi Altman, director of policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center, an immigrant advocacy organization.
"The commitments ICE has made to those impacted will go a significant way toward mitigating the harm done, but only if ICE is diligent and transparent in making good on its promises," said Heidi Altman, director of policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center, an immigrant advocacy organization.
ICE said it will not deport any migrant whose data has been leaked. Many seeking asylum reportedly flee from gangs or governments that would cause harm to them upon return if data is obtained.
About 100 people involved in the breach were already sent back to Cuba before the leak was known. All others will be allowed to remain in the U.S.
The incident adds to concerns over the Biden administration's border crisis that has led to unprecedented numbers of migrant crossing under the president.
The border also may see numbers continue to increase as the president's visit to El Paso did little to slow down those planning to enter the U.S. under its current policies.
Source: Fox News
