Eleven people were arrested in Orange County in a statewide Immigration and Customs Enforcement effort targeting “criminal aliens” who commit crimes.
A total of 76 people were arrested in the operation, which was conducted from April 18-21.
ICE said the criminal records of those arrested included felony convictions for lewd and lascivious behavior, sexual battery, child sex crimes, sex offenses, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, weapons charges and drug violations.
Some were arrested on less serious charges.
ICE arrests dozens across the state and Puerto Rico. I'm breaking down the number in Central Florida and whether this has happened before
— Ty Russell (@TRussellCBS4) April 26, 2017
Officials said many of those arrested will be deported.
Fifty-seven of the suspects have felony convictions.
“I understand that, from my old days working for ICE, there are people who should not be given a second chance,” said immigration attorney John Gihon.
Gihon added that there are some who should not be deported for some non-violent crimes.
Just talked to an immigration attorney who told me why we can expect to see an increase in these types of raids. #WFTVat6
— Ty Russell (@TRussellCBS4) April 26, 2017
ICE said statewide, 19 of those arrested had criminal records with, petit theft and driving without a license charges.
“We get calls from scared girlfriends, to moms, or wives about their lived one who has been caught by ICE,” said Gihon.
He said ICE will likely be making more arrests this year.
“It may increase with the new administration as they begin to try to target more individuals,” he said. “These target lists will get larger.”
A new release from March of last year showed ICE arrested 25 undocumented immigrants in Central Florida.
Cox Media Group
