ICE detains 243 in Denver-area sweep targeting undocumented immigrants

• ICE said the 243 people arrested during the operation have been charged with or convicted of criminal offenses after unlawfully entering the U.S.

State of play: The July 12–20 operation led to arrests of people wanted for serious crimes, including murder, human trafficking and sexual assault, the agency said in a Wednesday release.

• Others were cited for DUIs, burglaries and robberies and drug-related offenses.

Yes, but: It's "unclear from the statement if the 243 announced arrests represented all of the immigrants detained in the operation, or just those who had some level of criminal background," the Denver Post reports.

Between the lines: Of those arrested, ICE said 50 people are subject to removal orders.

What they're saying: Robert Guadian, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver Field Office director, in a statement, said many of those arrested had been released from local jails under Colorado's "sanctuary laws" that limit ICE cooperation.

The intrigue: ICE said at least nine of the individuals who were arrested are suspected or confirmed to have gang, criminal organization or drug trafficking ties, including at least four people the agency alleges are affiliated with Tren de Aragua.

• The gang, founded in Venezuela, has been the subject of intense scrutiny over its operations in Aurora, which President Trump amplified during his campaign last year.

Zoom in: The immigrants arrested during the Denver operation came from at least 17 countries, including Mexico, Venezuela, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia, per the agency.