Seventy illegal immigrants have been picked up in Indiantown and are now facing deportation. This as United States President Donald Trump aims to carry out his promise of the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, CBS12's Jamilka Gibson reports. (WPEC)
INDIANTOWN, Fla. (CBS12) — Seventy illegal immigrants have been picked up in Indiantown and are now facing deportation.
The news comes as United States President Donald Trump aims to carry out his promise of the largest deportation effort in US history, hundreds of local law enforcement across Florida have stepped in to help immigration and customers enforcement.
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Indiantown has found itself at the center of an immigration crackdown. According to the Enforcement and Removal Operations, a division of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained 70 illegal immigrants with the help of Florida Highway Patrol.
The traffic stop operation targeted commercial landscaping vehicles traveling the roads of the western part of the county.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said his agency had nothing to do with the stops and were not asked to be a part of the operation.
"We didn’t make any of the arrests and they didn’t come to our jail," Budensiek said. "They were taken by the border patrol. I saw a picture of the border patrol van
He said the detainees were taken by border patrol unit to Krome.
As immigration enforcement efforts continue across the country and show no signs of letting up, the sheriff said it might be best for those here illegally to just leave voluntarily.
"They are saying the best mechanism is to come self deport," Budensiek said. "Once you self deport then you can put your name on the list and have some priority to come back into the country. That’s probably the best advice that I can give.
CBS12 News reached out to ICE for comment on these arrests and received the following statement:
"Due to operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing or future operations. The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate. As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality."
FHP was also contacted, but at this time we have not received any response.