More Than 3,000 Arrested In ICE Immigration Sweep

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it was the largest immigration sweep of its kind.

In a six day “Cross Check” operation that ended Thursday, the agency known as ICE, netted about 3,100 convicted immigrants from across the country.

About 15 people were arrested here in Riverside County, five of those were from the Coachella Valley — with arrests in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, and Thermal.

“I think it’s unfortunate for people who are just here working and trying to take care of their family, but if they’ve done something illegal, then yes, send them back to their home,” said Luz Benitez, of Cathedral City.

The immigration sweep was collaboration of 1,900 ICE officers, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

More than 1,000 of the people arrested had multiple criminal convictions. The most severe cases included murder, manslaughter, drug trafficking and sexual crimes against minors.

The sweep comes nearly a year after ICE pledged to focus on deporting illegal immigrants with serious criminal histories, while going easier on others who stay out of trouble.

“I’m all for that, I think that’s the way it should be,” said Vangie Weems, of Cathedral City.

While Benitez says there’s still more work to be done.

“I don’t think the way they’re doing it is a perfect way, but if it’s going to make our streets safer and our homes a safer place to be, then yes I think that’s great,” said Benitez.

On Monday, the federal agency said more than 70 of the people arrested in Southern California have already been removed from the country.