Dozens of undocumented immigrants in New Jersey were rounded up in a joint effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Approximately 60 immigrants were detained during a five-day period that ended on April 20, ICE said on Monday.

Specifically, the agency claimed to target those that were found to have had a criminal record and had entered the country illegally, NBC New York reports.

Approximately 60 immigrants were detained during a five day period that ended on April 20 [file photo]

Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties were all impated by the raids.

Those found to be 'convicted criminals' came out to approximately 80 percent of those detained.

Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties were all impated by the raids

Authorities also found that 20 detainees had already been deported or had orders of being deported.

ICE claims that those arrested had serious offenses and convictions that ranged from child abuse to sex crimes.

'The success of this operation is a direct result of the full commitment of the dedicated men and women of ICE,' John Tsoukaris, director of ERO in Newark, said in a statement.

'We will continue to devote the full efforts of our agency to protecting citizens and enforcing federal immigration law despite challenges being pursued by politically motivated individuals.'

The immigrants arrested hailed from the Ukraine, Italy, China, Columbia, Cuba, Guatemala, Peru, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador Mexico, Ecuador and Jamaica.