WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security released its first annual data reports for two victim-notification programs this week, revealing that a dedicated hotline for victims of illegal alien crime received 897 calls in its first year of operation, with assault, rape, and homicide topping the list of reported offenses.
The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office, known as VOICE, fielded those 897 calls between Jan. 23, 2025, and Jan. 23, 2026, helping 588 victims seeking assistance and 185 victim family members seeking services and information, according to the report. Roughly two-thirds of callers were victims who contacted VOICE directly. The most frequently reported crime types were assault at 35%, rape or sexual assault at 17%, and homicide or manslaughter at 10%.
“President Trump has made it clear that justice for victims of illegal alien crime is a top priority,” said acting ICE Director David J. Venturella. “These reports show DHS is backing up that commitment with action — giving victims and their families a direct line to information, support and accountability when it comes to criminal aliens in our custody.”
President Donald J. Trump reestablished and relaunched the VOICE Office on Jan. 20, 2025. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has joined Trump in emphasizing the importance of providing justice for victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens. Callers most often learned about VOICE online, through victim advocates, and through referrals from ICE.
“VOICE gives victims of illegal alien crime and their families a clear, direct point of contact with DHS,” Venturella said. “Whether they are trying to understand the status of an illegal alien, get updates on a case, or connect to support resources, our mission is simple: Victims will be heard, they will be informed, and they will not be left in the dark.”
DHS also released the first comprehensive analysis of its Victim Information and Notification Exchange, or DHS VINE, which has recorded 112,657 total registrations and delivered 45,859 notifications systemwide since its establishment in 2017 under President Trump. The 2025 figures set records on both counts: 55,195 registrations — the highest annual volume since inception — and 20,774 notifications delivered, also a program high. Of those 2025 registrations, 37,762 originated from Federal Bureau of Prisons data transfers. Some 71% of notifications in 2025 were classified as Affirmation notifications, reflecting transfers into ICE custody as the primary trigger.
The data showed that 62% of all DHS VINE registrations occurred in 2024 and 2025, with 48% of 2025 registrations concentrated between May and July — periods DHS linked to heightened custody-related activity driven by increased immigration enforcement. In 2025, 86% of registrants selected email or phone as their preferred notification method, while 14% selected SMS. DHS said it will continue monitoring VINE trends to guide future system enhancements and resource allocation.