Related videos:
In what is considered one of the largest operations of the year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of more than 10,000 undocumented immigrants in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles since June, despite the turmoil and protests against ICE raids.
According to the DHS, the controversial operations were "a success" despite the opposition from groups that attempted to obstruct the arrests, reported Fox News.
The arrests were carried out in various areas of the sanctuary city, whose authorities supported the migrants and sought to limit cooperation between local entities and immigration services.
The DHS Deputy Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, defended the controversial raids by arguing that among those arrested are immigrants with serious criminal records from various countries, including Cuba, Mexico, Iran, Kenya, and Armenia.
The DHS highlighted several prominent cases, such as that of René Reyes-Miranda, of Cuban origin, with convictions for sexual assault of a minor, harassment, possession of cocaine, and theft.
Also that of Juan Carlos Tamayo, a Mexican with a history of homicide and multiple attempted murders, and that of the Iranian Alireza Hashemi, convicted of rape, domestic violence, and theft.
Additionally, they mentioned the arrests of Ambartsoum Pogosium and Akop Jack Kantrozyan, both Armenians, with a history of kidnapping, fraud, and attempted murder.
According to the DHS, operations remained active even during the disturbances reported in June, when protesters attacked public buildings and official vehicles in areas of Compton and downtown Los Angeles.
The government of President Donald Trump has maintained a tough policy against irregular immigration, which has led to confrontations with California authorities, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Newsom signed laws that restrict ICE raids in schools, hospitals, and courthouses, and prohibited federal agents from using masks during their operations.
Filed under: