ICE makes 49 targeted arrests in state
By The Associated Press
Feb. 26, 2010 11:38 a.m. | Federal immigration officials say they've arrested nearly 50 people in central and western Wisconsin during a weeklong crackdown.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, said it targeted illegal immigrants with criminal records, previously deported individuals and those with outstanding deportation orders. ICE said the 49 arrests were made beginning Feb. 18 in 12 Wisconsin counties.
Of the 49 taken into custody, 20 were arrested based on prior criminal histories, including drug possession.
Federal agents say the 49 are not being criminally prosecuted, but will be processed for removal from the United States.
The counties involved are Langlade, Dunn, Monroe, Eau Claire, Marathon, Portage, Clark, Trempealeau, Sauk, Wood, Shawano and Waupaca.