Illegal immigrant arrests double in NJ

June 8, 2007


HACKENSACK — New government figures show immigration arrests in New Jersey have more than doubled in the last two years, officials said.

Last year 1,772 people were arrested as part of Operation Return to Sender, up from 860 the year before, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

The nationwide program targets those with criminal records and seeks to reduce illegal immigration.

The hike in arrests shows “how seriously we take the issue of trying to locate and take into custody these fugitives,â€