Immigration unit geared up for wave of deportations

DOZENS of gardaí, including experienced special branch and drugs unit detectives, have been assigned to the National Immigration Bureau as the force gears up to carry out a wave of deportations this year.

More than 40 people have been assigned to the unit in recent weeks while others already with the bureau have been allocated to detective duties.

The beefed-up bureau will be responsible for tracking down and executing thousands of outstanding deportation orders already signed by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.