
U.S. Border Patrol’s Operation Return to Sender in California leads to 78 arrests of illegal immigrants with criminal records, sparking controversy and community concern.
At a Glance
- Operation Return to Sender targeted illegal immigrants with criminal histories in Bakersfield, California
- 60 Border Patrol agents arrested at least 78 individuals with prior convictions
- Arrests included sex offenders, drug possessors, and domestic abusers
- Operation received strong citizen support but faced criticism from civil rights groups
- Plans to extend operations to Fresno and Sacramento announced
Border Patrol Cracks Down on Criminal Illegal Immigrants
The U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector recently conducted a significant operation in Bakersfield, California, resulting in the arrest of at least 78 illegal immigrants with criminal records. The multi-day operation, dubbed “Operation Return to Sender,” involved 60 agents using both marked and unmarked vehicles to target individuals involved in drug and human trafficking.
Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent for the El Centro Sector, reported on the operation’s success, highlighting the arrest of a Chinese national involved in a $70,000 fraud case and a felon with an outstanding weapons charge warrant. The focus of the operation was on apprehending individuals with serious criminal histories, including sex offenses, drug possession, DUI, and child and spousal abuse.
Community Support and Controversy
The operation received substantial support from local citizens, with Bovino noting that a local poll showed 93% support for deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records. He stated that the operation “received massive citizen support” and emphasized the importance of removing criminals from communities.
“We remove criminals from our communities.” – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
However, the operation has not been without controversy. The American Civil Liberties Union disputes the official arrest count, claiming that over 190 people were detained, mostly Mexican nationals. This discrepancy has raised questions about the scope and targeting of the operation.
Impact on Local Communities
The presence of Border Patrol agents and the arrests have created fear and uncertainty in undocumented communities. Some local news outlets reported that farmworkers failed to show up for work due to fears of arrest, potentially impacting local industries. This highlights the broader consequences of such operations on local economies and community dynamics.
Future Operations and Local Law Enforcement Stance
The Border Patrol has announced plans to conduct similar operations in Fresno and Sacramento, raising concerns among residents in Northern California. However, local law enforcement agencies have distanced themselves from these federal operations.
“We are planning operations for other locals such as Fresno and especially Sacramento” – U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector
The Sacramento Police Department stated they were unaware of any planned immigration sweeps within the city. Similarly, Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse emphasized that local law enforcement does not enforce federal immigration law, drawing a clear line between local and federal responsibilities.
Conclusion
Operation Return to Sender highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing law enforcement priorities with community concerns. While the Border Patrol emphasizes the importance of removing criminals from communities, the operation’s impact on local industries and undocumented residents underscores the complex nature of immigration enforcement in the United States. As similar operations are planned for other areas, the debate over the effectiveness and consequences of such targeted enforcement actions is likely to continue.