Gardaí have arrested five people during an operation targeting people who are living in Ireland illegally.
The five people who were subjected to deportation orders were arrested in Dublin.
Officers attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and local gardaí made the people subject to Deportation Orders.
Speaking this morning following the operation, 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."
