MIAMI -- Gang members, fugitives, and immigration violators living in various cities throughout Florida were among the 58 individuals arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officers during a one-week period that culminated Friday.

The arrests were made by ICE detention and removal teams in Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. The arrests are part of ICE’s ongoing efforts to identify and arrest those who pose a threat to our community and who have no legal right to remain in the country.

Some of the fugitives arrested have a history of criminal activity including convictions for aggravated assault, burglary, DUI, and larceny.

Among the arrested was Sureno 13 gang member Hector Gonzalez-Mateo, 22, a citizen of Mexico convicted for theft. Gonzalez-Mateo was arrested Wednesday without incident at his residence in Clearwater, Florida. He has been placed in removal proceedings for being in violation of immigration laws.

Also arrested was Mexican national Juan Carlos Baxcajay-Caldo, 22, convicted for aggravated assault and child abuse. Baxcajay-Caldo was also identified as a gang member of the Sureno 13. He too was placed in removal proceedings for violating the law.

"Criminal aliens have a very high rate of recidivism and often re-victimize the community in which they live," said Michael Rozos, field office director for the office of detention and removal in Florida. "With every arrest we enhance public safety and restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system."

All of those arrested are in ICE custody at various locations throughout Florida. The fugitives will be immediately deported and the immigration violators will await the outcome of their immigration proceedings.

This enforcement action is part of the second phase of the Secure Border Initiative (SBI), a comprehensive multi-year plan launched by the Department of Homeland Security to secure America's borders and reduce illegal migration. Under SBI, Homeland Security seeks to gain operational control of both the northern and southern borders, while re-engineering the detention and removal system to ensure that illegal aliens are removed from the country quickly and efficiently. SBI also involves strong interior enforcement efforts, including enhanced worksite enforcement investigations and intensified efforts to track down and remove illegal aliens inside this country.

-- ICE --