ICE reports over 1,200 arrests in Georgia and Mississippi amid surge in threats

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement disclosed that more than 1,200 people were arrested in Georgia and Mississippi during the current month, leveraging multi-agency partnerships and 287(g) agreements with local sheriffs. Georgia's "Operation Safe Community - Atlanta" resulted in 1,226 criminal foreign nationals being taken into custody, largely men with histories of sex offenses, assault, drug crimes and other felonies.

In Mississippi, a child-exploitation sweep dubbed Operation Muddy Waters led to 70 arrests, including individuals accused of traveling across state lines to exploit children. ICE highlighted a dramatic increase in hostility toward its officers, citing a 1,300% rise in vehicle attacks and an 8,000% surge in death threats. The task-force model agreements, now the predominant form of 287(g) partnerships in both states, enable local law enforcement to aid in identification, detention and transport of suspects.

New U.S. attorneys are pursuing border-related crimes more aggressively, according to the agency. ICE urged the public to report any information on child exploitation or border offenses via its hotline.