Last Friday, a targeted operation by U.S. Border Patrol agents, drawing cooperation from local and state law enforcement, led to the arrest of seven undocumented immigrants with criminal records in the Florida Keys. As reported by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this interagency crackdown included support from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Key West Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections.

The individuals apprehended were not only undocumented but also had backgrounds involving serious criminal offenses: from elder abuse to drug trafficking crimes. According to details released by Border Patrol, the arrestees included a Cuban national with a conviction for elder abuse, another for trafficking methamphetamine, and a third for trafficking oxycodone. Additionally, a Guatemalan national with a past conviction for driving under the influence and causing serious injury was also detained.

This was not the first recent operation in the region. Earlier this month, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office arrested 10 undocumented individuals in the Florida Keys, all of whom had prior convictions for sex offenses. These operations are part of a broader effort to coordinate actions across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies targeting undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds.

All arrested individuals were processed and have been transferred to ICE custody, where they remain detained pending removal proceedings. The Border Patrol has made a call to the community for assistance in maintaining regional security. They urge anyone with relevant information to contact them at 1-(877) 772-8146 and stay informed on the sector's updates through their social media channels.