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ICE arrests 1,226 undocumented immigrants in Georgia roundup

8/13/2026

48 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

ICE Arrests Immigrants

ICE arrested 1,226 undocumented immigrants in Georgia during Operation Safe Community—Atlanta in August 2026.
Acting Assistant Director Patricia Hyde said the operation targeted people with criminal histories.
ICE reported 720 of the arrestees faced sex offenses, assault, drug violations, burglary, weapons offenses and impaired driving.
After community backlash, DHS abandoned plans for two Georgia ICE detention centers.

Summary

ICE Detains Players

Iliana Lick was detained at Philadelphia International Airport in July 2026 and released on $10,000 bond.
A GoFundMe raised over $18,000 for Lick’s legal fees and travel home.
Miami United FC player Matías Pourrain was arrested by ICE at the airport on August 6 2026.
His lawyer says ICE offered him money to voluntarily self-deport despite his work permit.
DHS offers a $2,600 flight reimbursement for self-deporters using the CBP Home App.

History

Historical Context

In September 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA), which expanded removal grounds, expanded enforcement resources and mandated at least 1,000 additional border-patrol agents each fiscal year through 2001. Those tougher provisions underpin ICE’s August 2026 Atlanta sweep that detained 1,226 migrants and the $2,600 flight-rebate program.

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ICE Arrests Immigrants

ICE arrested 1,226 undocumented immigrants in Georgia during Operation Safe Community—Atlanta in August 2026.
Acting Assistant Director Patricia Hyde said the operation targeted people with criminal histories.
ICE reported 720 of the arrestees faced sex offenses, assault, drug violations, burglary, weapons offenses and impaired driving.
After community backlash, DHS abandoned plans for two Georgia ICE detention centers.

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