Over 900 Illegal Immigrants Charged with Immigration Violations in Just One Week, DOJ Reports
The Western District of Texas recorded the highest volume of cases, followed closely by the Southern District of Texas.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, over 900 undocumented immigrants faced immigration-related charges in the first week of April.
The charges originated from U.S. attorneys in six southwestern border districts as a part of “Operation Take Back America,” a national effort designed to tackle illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal groups in the U.S.
These border districts encompass Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas.
Among them, the Western District of Texas reported the most cases, totaling 259 immigration-related criminal filings. The DOJ did not disclose specifics regarding the nature of the offenses.
Meanwhile, the Southern District of Texas followed with 225 cases. This comprised 70 individuals charged with illegal reentry, 144 with illegal entry, and others facing allegations of human smuggling, firearms violations, and assault on a federal officer.
The DOJ noted that a significant section of those charged with illegal reentry had prior felony convictions, including narcotics offenses and violent or sexual crimes.
In Arizona, 204 immigrants were charged. This included 83 for illegal reentry, 107 for illegal entry, and 14 facing human smuggling charges.
The Southern District of California reported 97 cases, with charges encompassing transporting undocumented immigrants for monetary gain, public official bribery, illegal reentry, and the importation of controlled substances.
Central California’s District filed charges against 24 undocumented immigrants for allegedly reentering the U.S. after being deported, some of whom had felony convictions prior to their removal.
In New Mexico, 56 immigrants were charged with human smuggling and illegal reentry after deportation, most of whom had previous aggravated felony convictions, according to the DOJ.
During the last week of March, nearly 1,000 immigrants faced immigration law violations in the six southwestern border districts.
Naveen Athrappully contributed to this report.