MADISON, Wis. -- State and federal agents have arrested 34 people across southern Wisconsin who they say are illegal immigrants.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's office said state Justice Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents began the sweep on Oct. 13 and completed it on Friday. It covered a number of southern Wisconsin cities, including Milwaukee, Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, Beaver Dam, Kenosha and Waukesha.

Justice Department officials all of them have criminal histories that include such offenses as sexual assault, possession of cocaine and battery.