SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Fifty-three undocumented immigrants were arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the last week in San Diego County.
Arrests took place in Santee, Vista, Encinitas, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Imperial Beach, and San Diego, according to ICE officials.
The five-day operation targeted individuals with final orders of removal, who have re-entered illegally after being removed, who have violated federal law, or whose detainers were not honored and were located after release from jail.
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Officials said of the 44 arrested, criminal histories included vandalism, hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and other drug offenses. Ten of those arrested have previously been deported from the U.S.
"While we continue to face significant obstacles in dealing with so-called 'sanctuary-city' policies, which hinder cooperation with local law enforcement, we will continue our relentless pursuit of safeguarding communities, diligently enforcing the U.S. immigration laws," Gregory Archambeault, San Diego field office director for ICE removal operations, said.
ICE said those arrested were Mexican and Guatemalan nationals.
Another nine individuals whose detainers were not honored were taken into custody by ICE before the operation started.
