Operation Dirtbag: Over 150 undocumented immigrants arrested in Florida, accused of sex crimes

More than 150 undocumented immigrants accused of sexual offences have been arrested in Florida as part of “Operation Dirtbag,” according to Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Noem stated that a total of 230 undocumented immigrants were recently detained in the Sunshine State, more than 150 of whom had records of sexual crimes, including convictions for child abuse and sexual assault. The name of the operation reflects the nature of these offences.

“This operation was called ‘Operation Criminal Return.’ I call it ‘Operation Dirtbag’ because these individuals were sex offenders, and not only sex offenders — they also targeted children,” Noem told Fox News’ Fox & Friends. “These 150 people will be gone from our streets. Our children will be safer.”

The operation forms part of President Trump’s broader effort to carry out what he has described as the largest deportation in US history, fulfilling one of his key campaign promises.

Since returning to the White House, immigration authorities have deported more than half a million undocumented immigrants, according to official figures from the Department of Homeland Security.

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In addition, illegal crossings at the southern border are reportedly at their lowest level in 55 years. So far this year alone, Border Patrol agents have prevented 238,000 individuals from entering the country illegally, according to DHS data.

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