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Feds Arrest 53 Immigrants Across Mass. For Criminal Acts

BOSTON (AP) — Federal immigration officials have arrested 53 immigrants in Massachusetts, including many with a history of serious or violent criminal convictions in violation of immigration laws.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that the 42 men and 11 women were detained administratively for violating federal immigration laws. They all are being held in ICE custody pending immigration removal proceedings.

The agency says the arrests occurred during its "Operation Threats Against the Community" that began Nov. 18.

The immigrants were picked up in Attleboro, Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Lowell, Lynn, Milford, New Bedford, Peabody, Roxbury, Waltham and Worcester.

In September, federal authorities conducted a similar "Cross Check" enforcement operation that yielded 111 arrests of convicted criminal immigrants throughout New England.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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