The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has admitted its much-publicised website claiming to showcase the 'worst of the worst' arrested immigrants was riddled with inaccuracies, after questions fromCNN's exclusive reporthighlighted a series of errors.
Launched in December, theDHS's WOW websiteaimed to feature around 25,000 immigrants, listing their alleged crimes and convictions.
It was heavily promoted by the White House, DHS SecretaryKristi Noem, and social media accounts aligned with the Trump administration. The site was designed to bolster the narrative that immigration enforcement was targeting dangerous individuals.
Prominent officials claimed the site 'shows the dangerous criminal illegal aliens being removed from our streets,' and the administration used it to justify tougher immigration policies. The website included details such as countries of origin and arrest locations. But beneath the surface, questions emerged about the accuracy of the data presented.
Thousands of individuals listed on the websitewere described as being convicted of or arrested for serious crimes like sex offences or homicide. Yet many others had minor charges, traffic violations, marijuana possession, or reentry after deportation.
A DHS spokesperson acknowledged to CNN the errors on Tuesday.
'This is a glitch on the WOW website that impacted about 5% of the entries,' they said.
The agency swiftly worked to fix the problem, claiming the glitch had been 'resolved' by Wednesday. However, the damage was already done. Critics argue that drawing equivalence between traffic offences and violent crimes can mislead the public.
Nearly half of the listed individuals originate from Mexico. Other major countries include Honduras, Guatemala, and Cuba. Several from Somalia, a target of the recentMinneapoliscrackdown, also feature. Critics argue that many of these individuals are not the violent criminals the administration suggests but rather individuals with minor or multiple charges.
DHS insisted all listed individuals had committed violations, including felonies like illegal reentry.
Source: International Business Times UK
