COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) Federal immigration officials say more than 280 people were arrested during a targeted enforcement operation conducted across Ohio in mid-December. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out Operation Buckeye between December 16 and December 21. The operation focused on Columbus and other areas throughout the state. DHS officials say the arrests included undocumented immigrants with prior convictions for offenses such as assault on a police officer, illegal firearm possession, and drug trafficking. Federal officials described the effort as a targeted enforcement operation according to NBC-4. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said the operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was designed to focus on individuals considered public safety concerns. The announcement came after questions about the presence of federal immigration agents in central Ohio. Columbus officials said local law enforcement was not notified in advance of the operation and was not involved in the arrests. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the department does not coordinate with ICE outside of awareness of a permanent federal field office located in Westerville. DHS officials say Operation Buckeye has concluded. Many of those arrested are being held in county jails while awaiting further immigration proceedings. Federal officials have not released a full breakdown of charges or immigration statuses for all detainees. The Department of Homeland Security says similar targeted operations may continue in other regions. The post Federal Immigration Sweep Nets Hundreds in Ohio appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less