Five arrested in crackdown on asylum seekers who fail in bid to stay in Ireland

Gardai today arrested five people as part of a new crackdown on asylum seekers who have failed in their bid to stay in Ireland.

The five were arrested by detectives from the Garda National Immigration Bureau in west Dublin– and were backed up by local officers.

The five remain in custody this evening and are all set to be deported.

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The arrests came as part of Operation Fern, a Garda operation to crack down on people living here illegally – men and women who have had their asylum applications turned down.

They have all been asked to voluntarily leave the State – but refused.

Speaking following the operation, GNIB boss 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.”

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