Immigration and Gang Related Activities

(2006) ( 2, 294) (3,974) (7,655) (700) (2005)
These seemingly random numbers describe increasingly disturbing statistics and facts;

Since 2006, the arrests of the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement have increased from 2, 294 to 3,974. They have also have arrested 7, 655 people from 700 gangs since 2005.

The Federal lawmakers have arrested and deported people involved in gang-related activities, thereby enforcing immigration law across the U.S.
A recent three month crackdown across the U.S resulted revealed that the nationwide implications of this goes beyond a few arrests. The arrests recorded in the five cities below came after the ICE targeted specific gangsters and they associated gangs or organizations.

New York – 205 arrests
Dallas – 121 arrests
Miami – 160 arrests
Fort Smith, Ark – 42 arrests
Boston - 59 arrests
Interestingly, opponents of these crackdowns take issue not with the crackdown themselves but with the seemingly “end-justify-the-means” implications of these operations.

This begs the questions: are the raids justified in the pursuit of law and order? And is the immigration issue separate from criminal and gang enforcement. Are they related?
Case in point, and with an interesting choice in words, Sgt. Kelly O'Rourke of the Metropolitan Gang Strike Force in Minneapolis-St. Paul, describes the immigration charges as a “helpful tool” in their bid to control the growth of gangs and gang wars. Her words imply that in a bid to ensure peace and tranquility amid the evolving gang influence, the immigration issue could become a “control” yardstick.
Not all raids have resulted in “legal” immigration-related arrests, however. The department of Homeland security has been accused of misconduct and malfeasance for crossing the line by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.
Another question arises: Do Sanctuary laws, contribute to crime? Media reports of deported illegal immigrants who return to the United States, and continue to commit crimes, make these questions sufficiently viable.

Opponents suggest that sanctuary law undermines policing and hampers the campaign against crime. To arrest an American citizen when they commit a crime all that is required is a warrant as opposed to when an illegal alien commits a crime.

Jasmine on Immigration Issues