3,100 arrested in nationwide immigration enforcement sweep

An illegal immigrant who was residing in Norcross after being convicted of sexual battery was among more than 3,100 people federal immigration authorities say they arrested during their six-day “Cross Check” operation last week.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say authorities arrested Rodolfo Jesus Munoz-Pineda, an El Salvadorian national who allegedly re-entered the country illegally after having been removed from the United States in 1986. He is now in ICE custody pending removal.

Arrests occurred in all 50 states. Among those arrested were:

• 2,834 people with criminal convictions, including murder, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, terroristic threats, drug trafficking, child abuse and sexual crimes against minors

• 50 gang members

• 149 convicted sex offenders

• 698 convicted criminals who had previously been ordered to leave the country but failed to do so

• 559 people who illegally reentered the country after having been removed from the United States

• At least 204 were presented to U.S attorneys for prosecution on a variety of charges, including illegal reentry after deportation, a felony which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.