ATLANTA, Ga. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that a large-scale immigration enforcement operation across Georgia resulted in the arrest of 1,226 illegal immigrants, including 720 individuals who had either been convicted of or charged with crimes in the United States.
The operation, dubbed Operation Safe Community – Atlanta, targeted individuals accused of violating federal immigration laws. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, those arrested had criminal histories that included sex offenses, crimes against children, aggravated assault, assault and battery, drug offenses, burglary, weapons violations, driving under the influence, and other crimes.
“Our officers did what they do best: they arrested and removed dangerous criminal offenders from American communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Acting Assistant Director Patricia Hyde.
“Make no mistake, every one of the illegal alien offenders apprehended during this operation was in violation of U.S. immigration law, but more than 700 of the aliens we arrested also have criminal histories in the United States,” Hyde said. “Removing these criminal alien offenders from Georgia neighborhoods makes for much safer communities, and that is exactly what the men and women of ICE work to accomplish every day across our great nation.”
Trucking company among enforcement locations
ICE said officers also arrested five individuals at the address of a trucking company that authorities described as being known for employing people who were in the country illegally.
Federal officials did not identify the company or announce whether any criminal or civil penalties are being pursued against the employer.
Among those arrested were individuals from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Romania, according to ICE.
Criminal histories cited by ICE
Federal authorities highlighted several individuals arrested during the operation, including:
- Fabian Pineda-Garcia of Mexico, previously convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and driving while intoxicated.
- Ivan Flores-Dircio of Mexico, identified by ICE as a registered sex offender with convictions for sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- Jose Manuel Maciel-Hernandez of Mexico, whose arrest history includes aggravated assault, reckless conduct, cruelty to children, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime, and unauthorized discharge of a firearm.
- Jose Felix Amaya-Pineda of El Salvador, whose prior arrests include domestic battery, cruelty to children, disorderly conduct, and driving while intoxicated.
ICE also identified several other individuals with prior arrests or convictions involving theft, child endangerment, DUI offenses, and other alleged crimes.
The agency did not specify how many of those arrested are currently facing criminal prosecution versus civil immigration proceedings.
Key Points
- ICE arrested 1,226 people during Operation Safe Community – Atlanta.
- Federal officials said 720 of those arrested had criminal charges or convictions in the United States.
- The operation included arrests at a trucking company and targeted individuals accused of violating federal immigration laws.
FAQ
- How many people were arrested?
ICE said 1,226 individuals were arrested during the operation. - How many had criminal records?
According to ICE, 720 had been convicted of or charged with crimes in the United States. - Where did the operation take place?
Across the state of Georgia. - What types of offenses were cited?
ICE said criminal histories included sex offenses, crimes against children, aggravated assault, drug crimes, burglary, weapons offenses, and DUI-related offenses. - What was the name of the operation?
Operation Safe Community – Atlanta.
Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
