Nationally during that period, the agency deported 200,948 illegal residents, including 71,330 criminals. Although the agency doesn't list illegal immigrants by nationality, Hansen said relatively few Latinos are deported because most can easily return home voluntarily. Immigration officials are well aware of the growing Latino migration to Columbus in the past few years. Police agencies throughout central Ohio occasionally intercept vanloads of undocumented residents through routine traffic stops. Police also contact the agency about suspected illegal immigrants encountered on other runs, such as domestic-violence calls.
Complaints also pour in from individuals.
Given the number of Latinos eager to take jobs in Columbus, employers worry about following the law, said Philip Wrona, director of the immigration office in Columbus. Immigration agents are willing to help teach companies how to follow the rules. The agency hands out to employers booklets showing what immigrants' documents and identification cards look like. We just focus on those who have knowingly aided a fraud. Subcontractors, often used in construction projects, pose other legal complications.