(WWJ) Federal officials say they've rounded up two dozen illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in Michigan, and 17 more in Ohio.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday announced the results of recent enforcement actions targeting removable, undocumented immigrants who have pending criminal charges or convictions.
“The aliens targeted during this operation preyed on men, women and children in our communities, committing serious crimes and, at times, repeatedly hurting their victims,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the ICE Director Tony H. Pham. “By focusing our efforts on perpetrators of crimes against people, we’re able to remove these threats from our communities and prevent future victimization from occurring. Through our targeted enforcement efforts, we are eliminating the threat posed by these criminals, many of whom are repeat offenders.”
During the enforcement actions, ICE arrested 41 people officials describe as "criminal aliens" in the two-state region covered by the Detroit field office — 24 of them in Michigan and 17 in Ohio. They're from Bangladesh, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Iceland, Iraq, Mexico, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Data captured from July 13 to Aug. 20 shows that, nationwide, ICE officers arrested more than 2,000 at-large individuals living illegally in the U.S., or who are removable from the U.S. due to their criminal histories. About 85% of those arrested by ICE on immigration charges also had criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, ICE said.
“ERO deportation officers are committed to enforcing immigration laws fairly and professionally by focusing first on those who represent a threat against the community,” said Field Office Director Rebecca Adducci of ERO Detroit. “These vital actions clearly show who ICE targets in an effort to protect the nation, while seeking to remove criminal aliens who pose a clear threat to public safety.”
Criminal convictions of those arrested include, but it not limited to criminal sexual conduct – 3rd degree, domestic violence, aggravated domestic violence, assault, aggravated assault, violating a protection order, violating a temporary restraining order, home invasion – 2nd degree, home invasion – 3rd degree, felonious assault, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, attempted – police officer-assaulting, breaking and entering, malicious destruction of property, malicious destruction of a building, larceny, illegal entry, illegal reentry after removal, , driving under the influence, operating a vehicle intoxicated, criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct, attempted drug possession, aggravated possession of drugs, illegal processing of drug documents, and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
ICE says those in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest and detention, and possible removal from the U.S.