Trump targets illegal immigrants

AN IMMIGRATION enforcement operation that US President Donald Trump said was part of an effort to deport “millions” of people has resulted in 35 arrests.

Mr Trump (right) said the operation targeted families and was a major show of force amid skyrocketing numbers of central American families crossing the southern border. There are about one million people in the US with final deportation orders; the operation targeted 2100.

Of those arrested, 18 were members of families and 17 were collateral apprehensions of people in the country illegally who were encountered by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. None of those arrested resulted in the separation of family, officials said.

The effort was demonised by Democrats as a full-force drive to deport families and trumpeted by Republicans as a necessary show of force to prove there are consequences for people coming into the country illegally.

But career ICE officers described it as a routine operation.

A separate nationwide enforcement operation targeting immigrants in the country illegally who had criminal convictions or charges netted 899 arrests. And officers handed out 3282 notices of inspection to businesses that may be employing people illegally.

Acting ICE director Matthew Albence said the operations would be ongoing, stressing the importance of enforcement.

The operation targeted families centred on those ordered to be deported by an immigration judge in 10 cities around the country who were subjected to fast-track proceedings. It was cancelled after media telegraphed when and where it would begin.