Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials recently arrested at least 87 immigrants in Nevada that agents classified as threats to public safety.

More than one-fourth of the collars were made in Reno, including one that involved a 33-year-old Mexican national with a history of drug trafficking, DUI and domestic violence arrests and another 19-year-old with prior robbery and resting arrest convictions.

Many of Suspects Facing Possible Deportation

Currently, 16 of the suspects taken into custody in Reno remain behind bars at the Washoe County Jail. Each of them is expected to soon be transferred to Las Vegas for immigration hearings that could end in their deportations.

ICE agents insist at least 85 percent of those arrested identify as priority 1 and 2 targets, meaning they have previously been convicted of a felony, are considered a terrorism threat, have committed a series of misdemeanors or recently entered the U.S. illegally.

"I honestly believe all of these arrests will increase public safety," said Daniel Bible, field office director for Salt Lake City office that also oversees Nevada.

Despite his insinuation that many of those taken into custody posed an active threat of some sort, Bible acknowledged that 15 percent of those arrested were only priority 3 targets, or the "lowest priority for apprehension and removal."

ICE officials added not all those nabbed had committed additional crimes since arriving here in the U.S. illegally. In addition, other suspects are acknowledged to be lawful residents, but accused of having committed crimes that would justify their deportation.

Some priority 3 targets may also be serial visa abusers, making them automatic priority targets because of their recent illegal entry into the U.S.

Immigration Among Top Issues of 2016 Election

The issue of immigration has become one of the most hotly debated topics of the 2016 presidential election season, with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump vowing to deport millions of immigrants and build a wall along the Mexican border to further keep them away.

By contrast, democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have both pledged support to a path of immigration reform.

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