ICE arrests dozens in Los Angeles area immigration crackdown

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Dozens have been arrested since Sunday as part of a federal immigration crackdown on people officials say "pose a threat to national security."

Officials also confirmed they're stepping up immigration enforcement in what they call "uncooperative jurisdictions."

ICE has not confirmed the exact number of people arrested in this latest round of raids, but that number is believed to be at least 100.

Immigration advocacy group the Los Angeles Raids Rapid Response Network condemned the operation, saying "ICE has made it their business to expand its reign of terror across the land targeting immigrant communities."

Responding to concerns they are arresting people never convicted of serious crimes in so-called "collateral arrests," ICE officials confirmed they will arrest anyone they believe has violated federal immigration law.

"ICE does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately," ICE press secretary Jennifer D. Elzea said. "However, ICE no longer exempts classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States."

City News Service contributed to this story