The United States Immigration and Customs Control Service (ICEfor its acronym in English) carried out an operation the days January 27 and 28 In the county of Palm Beach, Floridawhich resulted in the arrest of 32 undocumented immigrants with criminal record. According to ICE, the arrested came from Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Cuba and Nicaraguaand faced previous positions that included possession of drugs, prostitution, fraud, illegal re -entry, resistance to authority, robbery, probation violation and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The operation, carried out in Coordination with the United States Border Patrolwas part of a series of migration control actions focused on Stop people with a criminal record. ICE confirmed that All detainees will remain in custody while waiting for their country’s removal or a hearing before an immigration judge.
Among those arrested, ICE highlighted several specific cases:
- A 30 -year -old Venezuelanwith convictions for Resistance to authority, possession of drugs and theft.
- A 44 -year -old Haitianwith a history of aggression, possession of drugs, prostitution and use of narcotics equipment.
- A 24 -year -old Cubancondemned by fraud, absence before the Court, theft and violation of probation.
- A 25 -year -old Guatemalanpreviously arrested by illegal re -entry, possession of cocaine and driving under the influence of alcohol.
ICE did not specify whether the operation was aimed at certain neighborhoods, businesses or specific citiesnor detailed The participation of local police agencies At the arrests, he reported The Palm Beach Post.
The ICE operation was carried out at a time of greater pressure on the immigrant community In the United States. Just a week before, the President Donald Trump signed new executive orders focused on strengthening the application of immigration laws. In addition, the current administration announced the elimination of Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for approximately 300,000 Venezuelanswhich leaves them exposed to possible deportations in the coming months.
In this context, Thomas Kennedyof the Florida Immigrant Coalitionhe said that the situation has generated a fear climate Among immigrants, with people who They avoid going to work, bring their children to school or have even chosen to change their home To avoid ICE operations.
Organizations that support immigrants have warned about the Psychological and social impact Of these raids. Mariana BlancoDirector of Guatemalan-Maya Centersaid a The Palm Beach Post that at least 20 people have been arrested in everyday situations, such as When attending their migratory check-ins, go to judicial audiences or even shopping. Nevertheless, Rick Rickstate farmer and former representative, said for the same medium as He has not seen ICE operations aimed at agricultural workerswho mostly They have temporary work visas.
Despite the increase in immigrant arrests, ICE faces restrictions in the capacity of its detention centers. According to NBC News, although the administration of President Trump has made Large -scale operationsin some cases The detainees have been released under monitoring programs due to The lack of space in migratory facilities.
ICE recognized that, by court order, cannot keep indefinitely stopped to immigrants whose countries of origin They refuse to receive them. In these cases, some They are released with electronic shackles or telephone supervision While waiting for their immigration process, he reported NBC News. In addition, the government confirmed that Venezuela has agreed to receive their deportened citizens backwhich could accelerate the expulsion of some Venezuelan immigrants detained in the United States, especially those suspected of belonging to the criminal organization known as Aragua Train.
