Then on June 17, 1954, what was called "Operation Wetback" began. Because political resistance was lower in California and Arizona, the roundup of aliens began there. Some 750 agents swept northward through agricultural areas with a goal of 1,000 apprehensions a day. By the end of July, over 50,000 aliens were caught in the two states. Another 488,000, fearing arrest, had fled the country. By mid-July, the crackdown extended northward into Utah, Nevada, and Idaho, and eastward to Texas. By September, 80,000 had been taken into custody in Texas, and an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 illegals had left the Lone Star State voluntarily.
Now that's an editorial and all those numbers warrant a further look. But it's doubtful the lowest possible number, 70-80,000, ie the actual number taken into custody, is the honest number to use in discussing Ike's work.
I responded to apost that specifically addressed the number deported, that number is 80,000or there abouts.