US immigration officers have arrested more than 680 people in recent operations, 75 percent of whom have been convicted of crimes, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said on Monday, referring to actions that have sparked alarm among immigrant rights advocates. Kelly said in a statement that crimes committed by the illegal immigrants ranged from homicide to driving under the influence of alcohol. He said the operations were routine and consistent with regular operations carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration advocates have said they are raids that do not take into account an immigrant's threat level or family ties to the United States. President Donald Trump promised to deport 2 million to 3 million migrants with criminal records on taking office.

Source: The Star February 13, 2017 20:26 UTC