New Department of Homeland Security enforcement priorities announced last month have led to the release from custody of more than 200 people being held for immigration violations in Arizona.
President Obama announced in November that the parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents could apply for temporary relief from deportation and for work permits. And he expanded a similar program for children brought into the country illegally.
The Arizona Daily Star reportsthat same day Homeland Security issued new guidance on who is a priority for deportation and who should be released.
Nationwide, 618 people had been released as of Dec. 27 after their cases were reviewed, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Among those who remain a priority for deportation are serious criminal offenders and others who pose a significant threat to public safety. ICE says officers have a checklist to see if people fall under enforcement priorities or qualify for deferred action.