6 arrested in immigration operation near Mobile

Updated 1:44 pm, Monday, January 27, 2014

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Federal immigration authorities arrested six people during a south Alabama operation that targeted "egregious immigration violators" and convicted criminals, officials said Monday.

The targeted operation took place Thursday near Mobile, according toU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Officials said the six all had been removed from the country previously or had convictions for crimes such as battery and drug possession, according to ICE officials. All were in the country illegally, authorities said.

"Violent criminals and egregious immigration violators are among the highest priorities for ICE enforcement," said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Three of six are from Mexico. The other three are from Guatemala, Honduras and the Philippines.

Authorities did not release the names of anyone who was arrested.

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