Federal authorities have arrested 331 people in six Midwest states including Illinois and Indiana as part of a sweep targeting immigrants living illegally in the U.S. previously convicted of crimes and other immigration violators.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a news release Friday saying the operation began May 9 and wrapped up Monday. It also covered Wisconsin, Kentucky, Kansas and Missouri.
Authorities arrested 107 people in the Chicago area and 25 in the Indianapolis area.
“Our dedicated officers strive to make our communities safer by arresting convicted criminal aliens and removing them from the United States," said Ricardo Wong, field officer director for Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago. "By focusing our resources on the most egregious offenders, we ensure the very best use of our resources while immediately improving public safety.”
Of the 25 individuals arrested in Indiana, 23 had been convicted of crimes in the U.S. including drugs, fraud and domestic violence. In Illinois, 96 of those arrested had been convicted of crimes including robbery, aggravated sexual abuse and weapons offenses.
"Those arrested who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country," according to a statement from ICE.
Remaining individuals are awaiting a hearing with an immigration judge.
ICE Makes Dozens of Arrests in Indiana, Illinois in Multi-State Sweep
Authorities arrested 107 people in the Chicago area and 25 in the Indianapolis area
Copyright AP - Associated Press
