Sheriff Arpaio's immigration crusade
Lawman warns: 'You are going to jail' in Maricopa
By Brady McCombs
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Photo by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When it comes to illegal immigration, no border, no problem. Not for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Even though his Central Arizona county doesn't border Mexico, the man who calls himself "America's toughest sheriff" thrust himself into the lead in aggressively fighting illegal immigration last spring.
In March, Arpaio sent a posse of sheriff's deputies and volunteers out to arrest illegal immigrants and smugglers under a new state law that makes smuggling a felony. Using an interpretation from Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas — that the law can be applied to the smuggled illegal entrants themselves — the deputies have made 351 arrests so far, Arpaio said. Two people have been convicted, but the interpretation is being challenged in courts.
"The word is out that when you come through Maricopa County, you are going to jail," Arpaio said. "We don't call ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so they can get a free ride back to Mexico. We put them in jail."
By Brady McCombs
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Photo by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When it comes to illegal immigration, no border, no problem. Not for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Even though his Central Arizona county doesn't border Mexico, the man who calls himself "America's toughest sheriff" thrust himself into the lead in aggressively fighting illegal immigration last spring.
In March, Arpaio sent a posse of sheriff's deputies and volunteers out to arrest illegal immigrants and smugglers under a new state law that makes smuggling a felony. Using an interpretation from Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas — that the law can be applied to the smuggled illegal entrants themselves — the deputies have made 351 arrests so far, Arpaio said. Two people have been convicted, but the interpretation is being challenged in courts.
"The word is out that when you come through Maricopa County, you are going to jail," Arpaio said. "We don't call ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so they can get a free ride back to Mexico. We put them in jail."
posted by missionaryman | 3:05 PM
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