ICE arrests 97 in West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Ninety-seven convicted criminals, immigration fugitives and other immigration violators were arrested during a four-day operation in West Michigan.

It was part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) ongoing efforts to focus agency resources on the removal of criminal aliens and egregious immigration law violators, according to a news release.

The operation concluded Jan. 10 and was conducted by ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) teams from Grand Rapids and Detroit.

Of the 97 arrested, 60 had prior convictions for crimes such as sex with a minor, assault, illegal firearm possession, drug possession, and theft.

Twenty-three are immigration fugitives who had been previously ordered to leave the country but failed to depart; 11 others had been previously deported and illegally re-entered the United States, which is a felony.

Three other immigration violators were arrested during the operation and placed in removal proceedings.  

Arrests were made in the following West Michigan communities: Battle Creek, Fennville, Grand Rapids, Grant, Holland, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Newaygo, Niles, Pullman, Wyoming.

"Our focus on priority targets continues to contribute significantly to the safety and security of communities in West Michigan and throughout the state," said Rebecca Adducci, field office director for ERO Detroit. "By targeting criminal aliens and egregious immigration violators, we are ensuring the best use of agency resources and a continued focus on public safety."

This enforcement action was spearheaded by ICE's National Fugitive Operations Program, which is responsible for investigating, locating, arresting and removing at-large criminal aliens and immigration fugitives.

To report suspicious activity, call 1.866.347.2423 or visit , visit www.ICE.gov.