Dozens arrested in illegal immigrant bust

06:25 PM CDT on Monday, October 16, 2006

By MELISSA MCGUIRE / KVUE News


Immigration officials have arrested dozens of illegal immigrants, many with violent criminal backgrounds.

KVUE's Melissa McGuire reports
They were all living in the Austin area.

Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE, took part in a five day sting called 'Operation Return to Sender.'

A total of eight immigrants that authorities classified as violent were arrested.

And while those arrests were being made, officials say 36 other illegal immigrants were also taken into custody.

The eight criminals originally targeted in the sweep were wanted for crimes including aggravated assault and possession of marijuana.

"Our concentration was on criminal aliens. Aliens that have exhausted any type of appeal they've had.. And also they've been convicted of violent crimes," says Rudy Rodriguez, an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Some of those arrested have been deported to Mexico.

Others are in custody in San Antonio and are scheduled for deportation.

The nationwide effort of 'Operation Return to Sender' has resulted in more than 2,000 arrests.

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