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Rep. Franks defends Arpaio, sheriff blames mayor

by Jeremy Foster and Mike Sauceda/KTAR (March 16th, 2009 @ 4:46am)

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There are two federal inquiries into Sheriff Joe Arpaio's illegal immigration policies and one Arizona congressman said he knows why.

"They feel like that if they can take him out and do him damage or intimidate him, they end up intimidating the whole specter of law enforcement that deals with illegal immigration," says Republican Rep. Trent Franks.

Franks said it's vital that Arpaio continue his tough stance, especially now that Phoenix is the kidnapping capital of the U.S.

He said the sheriff's opponents are backwards in their thinking.

"I'm just sort of astonished that we keep seeing this trend on the part of the Judiciary Committee especially under the Democratic control here, where they are seemingly more committed to going after the good guys than they are the bad guys."

Frank said there's nothing unlawful or inhumane about Arpaio's raids.

The Justice Department is also going to investigate Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office for possible racial profiling.

Arpaio told KTAR's Jay Lawrence he's not worried.

"They say they're coming down. You know, my doors are open. We do not racial profile."

Arpaio accused Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon of having a hand in the letter that informed him of the investigation "which by the way, Gordon was there at the same time talking to these people. He probably prepared the letter, but that's another issue. It will come out."

"We're going to survive this. It's just another blip in the 17 year career of the sheriff."

Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    WHERE?????????????????????
    Patrick H
    Where is there a law that states: THAT WE MUST EMBRACE INVADERS IN THIS COUNTRY??? I took an OATH: TO DEFEND THIS NATION FROM ALL ENEMIES, FORIEGN AND DOMESTIC!!!! And I WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Keep Up the Good Work Sheriff Joe
    azdriver
    Those who oppose the enforcement of immigration laws are simple in their thinking, revealing their allegiance to business, and simply cowards. Lets support those who are here lawfully. And yes, I am a naturalized U.S. Citizen. That means I'm a legal immigrant for those who require the explanation.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    great headline
    I Care
    Rep. Franks defends Arpaio, sheriff blames mayor. ... and does about 85% of the state and 99% of sane people.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    What is Franks whining about? Arpaio himself has said that he has nothing to hide and
    abogada987
    is not intimidated. The only law enforcement officers that need to be worried about an investigation are those who are doing something wrong. Just like the citizens that Arpaio stops during his racial profiling sweeps, Arpaio just needs to show his papers and go on about his business.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Rep. Franks defends Arpaio, sheriff blames mayor
    nihipali
    I love it. Arpaio...you are only doing your job. Find someone else who will take it to the next level. I doubt anyone out there is willing to. I'm at your defense too. He is a complete crack up. If there were more sheriffs that did what he is doing, we'd have a much better success rate!
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