Illegal Immigrants: ATHENS, Greece

Zeus Xenios Dept: ATHENS, Greece - Authorities in Greece are rounding up thousands of suspected illegal immigrants in a large-scale deportation drive to combat what a government official compared to a prehistoric invasion, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Police said Monday that 6,000 people were detained over the weekend in Athens in a massive operation incongruously named after the ancient Greek god of hospitality, Zeus Xenios and migrants enter a police bus in central Athens, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. Greek police say officers they have begun an operation to arrest and deport illegal migrants from the center of the capital and along the country s northeastern border. Over 100,000 illegal immigrants cross into Greece annually, most through Turkey. AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis Greece has long been Europe's main entry point for illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa seeking a better life in the West. But Greece's severe economic problems and high unemployment are making the problem worse than ever. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.