Gardaí make five arrests in operation targeting those illegally residing in Ireland
Picture: Arrested People Now Five All In Linehan File Are Custody Dan
Gardaí have arrested five people who were subject to deportation orders and taken them into custody.
The arrests were made on Thursday morning as part of Operation Fern — an ongoing operation targeting people who are illegally residing in Ireland and are subject to deportation orders.
Officers attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and local gardaí made the arrests, all of which were in the Dublin region.
All five people are currently in custody pending deportation from the State in due course.
Following the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock said: "This morning’s operation was part of Operation Fern, which is a nationwide operation targeting persons subject to Deportation Orders. A Deportation Order is an order from the Minister for Justice to leave the State.
"Prior to GNIB receiving these Deportation Orders, there has been significant engagement with each person by the Department of Justice, which includes the offer of a supported voluntary return package to their country of origin.
"Persons subject to Deportation Orders have declined supported voluntary return, and are now illegal in the State.
"Today’s operation, under Operation Fern, is part of GNIB’s focus to arrest persons subject to Deportation Orders and who are illegal in the State."