I.C.E. operation lands 17 arrests in AL.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation lands 17 arrests

By: Thomas Allen | NBC 13
Published: December 18, 2012 Updated: December 18, 2012 - 1:25 PM

ALABAMA --A total of 17 targets were apprehended in Alabama during a three-day US Immigration and Customs Enforcement removal operation recently.

A total of six people were apprehended in Montgomery, five in Opelika, and one each in Auburn, Phenix City, Eufaula, Skipperville, Prattville and Clanton.

"These arrests of convicted criminals and repeat immigration violators demonstrate ICE's ongoing commitment to public safety," said ERO New Orleans Field Office Director Philip T. Miller. “When ICE prioritizes these individuals for arrest, our officers and agents work tirelessly to pursue the leads.”

The nine criminal aliens arrested during the weekend operation have criminal convictions for crimes to include aggravated assault, burglary, drug smuggling, forgery, stalking, drunken driving, hit-and-run and domestic violence.

Two of the 17 arrested had outstanding deportation orders and failed to leave the company. Nine people had previously been deported and illegally re-entered the United States, which is a felony offense.

In fiscal year 2011, ERO removed 396,906 individuals nationwide — the largest number in the agency's history. Of these, nearly 55 percent, or 216,698 of the people removed, were convicted of felonies or misdemeanors. This includes 1,119 aliens convicted of homicide; 5,848 aliens convicted of sexual offenses; 44,653 aliens convicted of drug related crimes and 35,927 aliens convicted of driving under the influence.

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2012/dec/18/alabama-operation-lands-mulitple-arrests-ar-5194061/