Federal immigration officials say they arrested 81 foreign nationals in a recent crackdown on San Diego County gangs. However, more than half of those in custody do not have gang ties. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
Federal agents say its the largest number of arrests for a gang crackdown in the region.
But just 38 people have gang ties.
Lauren Mack is the spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She says the other 43 were swept up in the process.
Mack: At the home where the gang member was living. They may have been on the streets in a gang ridden neighborhood.
Mack says those 43 have criminal records which make them deportable.
She says the crimes range from vehicle code violations, like driving without a license, to violent crimes.
Six will be prosecuted in federal court for re-entering the country after being ordered deported.
Mack says agents only arrested people with gang ties or a criminal record.
Amy Isackson, KPBS news.
