NEW YORK, USA (CMC) – The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says it has detained a number of Caribbean nationals among 118 immigrants during a five-day operation in several areas of New York.

It said during the January 14 to 18 operation, law enforcement officials apprehended the immigrants for violating US immigration laws, as well as being convicted criminals or had criminal charges pending.

ICE said several had prior felony convictions for serious or violent offences, such as child sex crimes, weapons charges, and assault, or had past convictions for significant or multiple misdemeanours.

Those arrested included nationals from the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, ICE said.

ICE said a 33-year-old Jamaican, who was previously removed from the US, was arrested. He has convictions of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and harassment.

Another Jamaican, a 49 year- old, who was previously removed from the US, was also arrested during the sweep. He has convictions of burglary, robbery, and six separate larcenies.

In addition, ICE said a 57-year-old Jamaican, who was released from New York Police Department custody, was also detained.

“The success of this operation is a direct result of the full commitment of the dedicated men and women of ICE.” said Thomas R Decker, a senior ICE official.