Advocates decry what they say is an administration tactic to highlight violent crimes by unauthorized immigrants as political cover to boost deportations.

President Trump stated that he has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American victims during his Joint Address to congress. The office is called VOICE – Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement, was created by the interior enforcement executive order that was signed in January. Any victim of crime deserves acknowledgement and sympathy, and crime is an issue that must be taken seriously. However, the emphasis on victims of immigrant crimes is problematic. It only serves to scapegoat and demonize immigrants even though the data clearly shows that immigrants, including unauthorized immigrants, are less likely than native-born Americans to commit crimes.