Immigration fugitive arrests in San Diego County and Imperial counties soared to record levels in 2008, said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Arrests are up more than 60 percent compared to 2007.
"We made a commitment to the American people to embark on an ambitious enforcement strategy aimed at securing our borders and strengthening our nation's immigration system," said Julie L. Myers, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE.
The foreign nationals from 42 countries had all ignored final orders of deportation. Almost half had criminal histories, including convictions for homicide, burglary, weapons offenses, assault and child cruelty.
