Officers get nod to train to enforce immigration laws

Feb. 8, 2007 12:00 AM

Sheriff Joe Arpaio received the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors' blessing on Wednesday to train up to 160 officers to enforce federal immigration laws.

Arpaio said the officers will be used to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants and turn them over to the federal government.

A small but growing number of law enforcement officials in the United States have asked for similar training. Critics contend that local officers doubling as immigration agents could undermine public safety by making immigrants reluctant to report crimes and could lead to racial profiling.

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Feb 8, 10:15 AM EST

Maricopa County OKs plan to train deputies to spot illegals

PHOENIX (AP) -- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has signed off on a proposal to train up to 160 deputies and jail officers to enforce federal immigration laws.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the street deputies and jail staff will be used to identify people illegally in the country and turn them over to federal authorities. A final deal with federal officials could be struck within days, he said.

If that happens as expected, the first group of county officers could begin the four to five-week training program by the end of the month. The county Board approved the proposal on Wednesday.