U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swept through Southern Texas and Oklahoma in search of immigrants who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, the Associated Press reports.
The sweep happened Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
According to federal authorities, ICE arrested 70 individuals, nearly all of whom have a history of criminal activity. Immigration agents have made it a priority to target those who have committed crimes in the U.S. or have attempted to re-enter the U.S. after previously being deported.
Some of the histories of those detained include sexual assault, distribution of a controlled substance, prostitution and burglary.
This sweep was one of many operations ICE has conducted this year in Texas and nearby states with high levels of illegal immigration. According to ICE, the federal government arrested 153 illegal aliens in South Texas during the month of April alone.
Since President Donald Trump has taken office, illegal border crossings are down more than 60 percent.