DHS Fugitive Squads Target Absconders

Far from the dusty Mexican border and Florida’s coastal waters, federal authorities have stepped up the battle to control immigration, and, in many cases, the new front is just down the block.

A fast-growing network of fugitive squads is tracking and arresting undocumented immigrants inside the United States, in living rooms and on front doorsteps.

Though the squads’ principal targets are terrorism suspects and convicted criminals, more than half of the people they snare are immigrants who lost legal bids for asylum or other relief, and then remained here illegally. Many have paid taxes, sent their U.S.-born children to public schools — and quietly ignored a judge’s order to leave the United States.

They’re called “absconders,” and increasingly they are the targets of federal fugitive squads.

Immigration authorities began the program in 2002 with eight teams, including one in Miami. After a gradual expansion, federal officials made the teams a bigger priority, pushing their number last year to 50, with two in South Florida. Authorities plan to add 20 teams this year. Click here.

bh