Washington, February 16 (RHC)-- In the United States, Immigration officials have arrested more than 600 people across the U.S. in the past week.  The arrests in at least 11 states -- including California, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin -- have spread fear among immigrants and their advocates. 

It is not clear if ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is continuing routine operations or stepping up its deportations in line with President Donald Trump’s newly stated policies. 

Trump tweeted: "The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed!"  The Department of Homeland Security has said the arrests are routine practice.