SAN ANTONIO-- Operation SOAR started last Saturday and ended Wednesday with a total of 50 arrests. It was a state-wide effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to round up undocumented immigrants with convictions for sex crimes, especially against children.
Forty of the individuals arrested were convicted sex offenders hiding out in Texas. The DPS assisted in the five-day operation.
"DPS is proud to have worked together with ICE in this successful operation to target and apprehend ruthless criminals who prey on Texas," said Texas DPS Director Steve McGraw. "These types of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies at all levels are critical to protecting our communities and keeping criminals off our streets."
Enrique Lucero, ICE, Field Office Director, said this was the first operation of its kind in Texas.
"Our number one goal is prioritizing our resources to keep our communities safe," said Enrique Lucero, Field Office Director for San Antonio. "By targeting our efforts on these egregious offenders, ICE and DPS are making the best use of our resources and removing these criminals from our streets and the country."
This year, ICE has removed about 1,300 undocumented convicted sex offenders from Texas.
