Federal immigration officials say 107 people were arrested in Philadelphia as part of a nationwide sweep focusing on what they called "sanctuary" jurisdictions, which limit local authorities' cooperation in immigration investigations.
In a news release Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said that the four-day operation netted 498 people wanted for immigration violations. Of those, 317 had criminal convictions.
The release says a citizen of the Dominican Republic who entered the country illegally and had been convicted on firearms charges was among those arrested in Philadelphia. Officials say he had previously been arrested by local police, but was released before ICE could take custody.
ICE acting Director Tom Homan said local policies of non-cooperation create magnets for illegal immigration, forcing the agency to use more resources in those communities.
