ICE arrests reveal different aspects of immigration
The joint law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of 41 people is but one aspect of the debate over immigration.

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For agents of U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, those arrests of alleged illegal immigrants with gang ties is a response to pressure from local officials to crack down on a problem. Members of the Hispanic community, however, worry that it is part of a growing trend of abuse that threatens to further divide the community.

The federal agency announced the arrests of 41 people thought to be in the country illegally and having ties to organized crime, including Mara Salvatrucha 13, or MS 13, which is known worldwide for its violent nature, said Rod Reyes, a resident agent of ICE who works out of Fort Smith.

Reyes said the arrests were the result of a weeklong effort that involved 10 ICE agents and members of local law enforcement agencies. He said there were many more people with gang ties interviewed; however, they were citizens without criminal records.

It’s not illegal to be a member of a gang, Reyes said, but there is a growing presence of gangs and the crime they bring with them. From spray-painting property to violent crimes, he said, the gangs are making their presence known, and “ the police certainly understands this. â€