Issue Date: 4th July 2024
This morning, Thursday 4th July 2024, Gardaí from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), with assistance from local Garda units based in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West, conducted an operation as part of Operation Fern.
Operation Fern is an ongoing operation targeting persons who are illegally residing in the State and are the subject of Deportation Orders.
Five people who were subject to Deportation Orders were arrested in the Dublin Region. All five people are currently in custody pending deportation from the State in due course.
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."
