ICE Heightens Actions to Deport Immigrants with Criminal Records
Author: Immigration lawyer Alena Shautsova
Mid May, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reorganized its efforts to beef up ICE fugitive search teams all over the country. The focus is on locating and deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. According to an article in the L.A. Times the number of agents tasked to these teams has increased by close to 25%. ICE is pulling agents from administrative positions to increase the number of fugitive operations teams from 104 to 129. At one point ICE had plans to put 200 Border Patrol agents in ICE uniforms, but reduced the number to 150 based on union organizers' objections.
While ICE officials deny it, The Times stated that teams have arrest quotas of 50 suspects a month. The overall effort is statistically driven with the objective of raising deportation higher than last year's deportation figures.
The teams base their criteria for undocumented immigrant arrests on whether the immigrant has the following:
- A felony conviction
- More than two misdemeanors
- Multiple immigration violations
- Use of fraudulent documents
ICE officials are also reviewing pending deportation cases. They have placed approximately 10% of pending cases on administrative hold because the individuals pose no security risks.
The importance of legal help
f you live in New York and face possible deportation, it is vital that you get legal help. A New York immigration lawyer understands the laws relevant to your situation and can defend your rights.