Phoenix police, immigration agents teaming up

PHOENIX (AP) -- Ten agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement have joined Phoenix police to get illegal immigrants who commit crimes off the streets.

With agents and officers working side-by-side, officials say the instantaneous exchange of information will mean that criminals and victims in the country illegally can be more quickly identified.

And the faster they are identified, the better chance police have at solving cases, making arrests and putting a dent in illegal immigration.

"It's allowing us to do what we do, and that's going after criminal aliens," said Alonzo Pena, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agent in charge.

Dealing with illegal immigrants isn't new to the Phoenix Police Department. Last year, the department arrested 2,800 criminal illegal immigrants and turned them over for prosecution and deportation.

They also turned over to federal authorities 1,200 illegal immigrants for being in the country illegally.