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Border Patrol launches crackdown in New Mexico


Last Update: 07/21/2006 5:21:37 PM
By: Associated Press


EL PASO, Texas (AP) - The U.S. Border Patrol is launching an offensive against illegal immigration in southern New Mexico to halt a program which allowed undocumented immigrants to voluntarily return to Mexico after being arrested.

Border Patrol spokesman Doug Mosier says Operation Lightning Strike starts Saturday morning at midnight.

The operation, which has no end date, will mean any undocumented immigrant from any country who is arrested will be taken to court for a formal deportation hearing.

Mosier says immigrants caught in Lightning Strike could face felony charges and prison time if they are arrested again after being deported.

It marks a change from a policy in other Border Patrol sectors that allows illegal Mexican immigrants with no criminal history to waive their right to a court hearing and voluntarily return to Mexico.