US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 1,226 undocumented immigrants in Georgia during an enhanced enforcement operation targeting individuals with criminal histories.
Named “Operation Safe Community–Atlanta”, the operation resulted in the arrest of 720 people who had either been convicted of or charged with crimes in the US.
The arrests involved alleged or confirmed offences including sex crimes, crimes against children, aggravated assault, drug offences, burglary, weapons violations and driving under the influence.
Operation targeted criminal offenders
Authorities said all 1,226 people arrested during the operation were in violation of US immigration law, while more than 700 also had criminal histories in the country.
Officials said the operation was focused on individuals considered to pose a threat to public safety and involved efforts to arrest and remove criminal offenders from local communities.
Trucking company among locations targeted
Five undocumented immigrants were also arrested at the address of a trucking company that authorities said was known for employing undocumented workers.
Among those arrested was Fabian Pineda-Garcia, a Mexican national with prior convictions for conspiracy to possess at least 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and driving while intoxicated.
Authorities also identified Jose Felix Amaya-Pineda, a Salvadoran national who had prior arrests for domestic battery or family violence, cruelty to children, disorderly conduct and driving while intoxicated.
Other arrests included Elena Marin, a Romanian national with prior arrests for theft by deception and petit larceny.
Armando Loma-Cristo, a Mexican national, was also arrested. He had previously been arrested on allegations including driving under the influence, supplying alcohol to underage people, child endangerment and driving without a valid licence.
Immigration enforcement intensifies
The Georgia operation comes as the Trump administration continues to intensify immigration enforcement across the United States.
Authorities have been conducting targeted operations against undocumented immigrants with criminal records, with officials saying the efforts are aimed at removing individuals considered dangerous from American communities.
