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U.S. immigration officials arrested 40 women and children from Central American family groups in Texas, North Carolina, and South Dakota, according to immigration lawyers.
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The raids were planned for May and June and could be the largest deportation sweep against immigrant families by the administration of President Barack Obama.
"We stress that these operations are limited to those who were apprehended at the border after January 1, 2014, have been ordered removed by an immigration court, and have no pending appeal or pending claim for asylum," said Jennifer Elzea, from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
U.S. officials have said that deportations are intended to deter undocumented immigrants from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala from entering the United States.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration released a statement condemning the raids.
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“These operations spark panic among our parishes,” said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo. “No person, migrant or otherwise, should have to fear leaving their home to attend church or school. No person should have to fear being torn away from their family and returned to danger.”
The immigrants arrested in the latest raids have been sent to two ICE detention centers in Texas.
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