With the increasing number of immigrants crossing the border illegally, the U.S. government has begun to crack down on those who smuggle unwitting and desperate migrants.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began an operation along Texas's Rio Grande Valley, which has seen the largest increase in illegal crossings. According to Reuters, the month-long investigation ended on May 31 and led to the arrest of 163 smugglers.

"Unfortunately, desperate people continue to place their lives in the hands of these smugglers who have no regard for human life," ICE Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Thomas Winkowski said.

The agents belonged to ICE Homeland Security Investigations unit, and they obtained 60 indictments and 45 convictions. Reuters also reported that they seized 29 vehicles, nine firearms and more than $35,000 in illegally obtained money.

ICE did not say whether any of those arrested were involved in the recent increase of children crossing the country illegally, added Reuters; however, this news comes as the country faces a dire situation with more 47,000 children crossing the border from Mexico.

Reuters reported that the increase between October and May is double of the previous 12 months and has put a strain in the U.S. capabilities of holding so many people, particularly children who cannot be sent to prisons. Many flee drug and gang violence in Mexico and Central America, and the federal government has made facilities available to house the children, including three military bases.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has been in contact with ambassadors in Central American countries to discuss how to speedily return the children back to their home countries.

"Those apprehended at our border are priorities for removal," Johnson said during a Washington news conference. "They are priorities for enforcement of our immigration laws regardless of age."

He is holding discussions with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico for faster repatriation. Johnson also announced new initiatives that would increase the number of federal officials searching for human smugglers and adding temporary facilities for the children.