US Immigration and Customs Enforcement photo

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 162 undocumented immigrants during a three-day enforcement operation in Southern California that targeted those with previous criminal convictions. 22 of these arrests took place in Santa Barbara County and 8 in Ventura County.

In a public statement, ICE stated they were targeting "at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and immigration fugitives, and aliens released back into the community after detainers filed by ICE with local law enforcement officials were ignored."

The agency reported almost 90% of those arrested had criminal convictions and stated these people were public safety threats.

“At-large criminal alien arrests are among the most dangerous types of enforcement actions ICE officers are engaged in daily basis,” said David Marin, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Los Angeles. “Thanks to their remarkable efforts, there are 143 fewer criminals on the streets. We will continue to dedicate more resources to conduct at-large arrests to ensure the safety of the law-abiding citizens of our Southland communities.”

A 50-year-old Mexican national was reportedly arrested in Santa Barbara on June 10. According to ICE, he has a prior conviction for Assault with Intent to Commit Rape and was sentenced to two years confinement. This case has been accepted for federal prosecution under 8 USC 1326 for Reentry of a Previously Removed Criminal Alien. ICE reports DHS databases indicate this individual was released by local authorities despite an ICE detainer.

Of those arrested in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties, 157 were men and 5 were women. The majority of undocumented immigrants were from Mexico while others were from El Salvador, Guatemala, Iran, Peru, Philippines, and Romania.

In their statement, ICE explained their enforcement resources focus on individuals who pose a threat to security and safety, however, they expressed that anyone who is violating immigration laws is subject to arrest.