SAN ANTONIO — More than a 1,000 migrants across the country are being detained per day, and millions more could be targeted.
That’s according to Victor Avila, a retired ICE and HSI Supervisory Special Agent who is currently assisting in the process.
Avila says this is just the beginning.
“We have packets on these individuals. We have we know where they’re at. We have them fully identified,” said Avila.
Avila says they are able to identify these targeted migrants because they have been through the criminal justice or immigration system.
Avila added that up to 1,500 migrants a day are being detained, with many more to be targeted.
“We’re talking about millions of these type of individuals with these type of convictions, serious convictions, drug convictions, sex offenses, and violent offenses,” said Avila.
Avila says it’s unclear how long it will take to deport individuals because there are many factors to consider. Some can be deported by an immigration judge, removed through different policies or even choose to be removed voluntarily.
“There’s some do not want to wait in detention longer, and they say, you know what, Why don’t you just send me now and go back to my home country,” said Avila.
Avila acknowledged there are some misconceptions about who is being targeted, because some have been arrested that are not on the target list.
He says during the last administration, being present in the country illegally was not enough to arrest them.
“That doesn’t exist anymore, there are no restrictions,” said Avila.
Other restrictions that don’t exist anymore include sanctuary places like churches, courts, hospitals and schools.
Avila says that however is not their main target or interest. They are going after the individuals, not the locations.
“If the person that ICE and HSI is looking for goes into one of these locations, ICE is going to go get them,” said Avila.
Avila says those with a permit or visa to be in the country lawfully have nothing to worry about. Avila says he anticipates things becoming more organized, and these operations to continue through Trump’s presidency.
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