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Arpaio seeks opinion on immigration authority

by Kevin Tripp/KTAR (October 22nd, 2009 @ 5:20am)

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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is pursuing authority to enforce federal immigration laws.

"I'm asking the county attorney to give me an official opinion as to if local and state can get involved in federal enforcement," Arpaio said Wednesday.

The sheriff's action came within days after the Homeland Security Department stripped him of authority to arrest people on the street solely for violation of federal immigration laws. Arpaio's crime suppression sweeps over the past year have led to complaints of racial profiling, targeting Hispanics. The sheriff has denied that.

Arpaio maintains he still can stop suspected illegal immigrants under the state's human smuggling law. He also believes he still can enforce federal laws.

Thomas has been a close political ally of Arpaio, but the sheriff said that will have no bearing on his opinion.

"I'm sure he will be very objective and give the right opinion, no matter which way it goes," Arpaio said. "He has a lot of integrity. He's not going to give an opinion that I want. He's going to give an opinion based on law."

Thomas' office said he was not available for comment Wednesday.


Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    In your face, Napolitano,
    Estoban
    Sheriff Joe will still stand against the invasion and colonization of our state, in spite of your efforts to shut down the only effective anti illegal alien law enforcer in the west, if not the whole country.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Frick & Frack
    Liberal lost in Red(neck) State
    This reminds me of the blind leading the blind. Ray Charles could see that!!!!!!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Need Cancer Care?
    Nimsisland
    An illegal gets it for free. A legal citizen will pay thousands out of pocket even with insurance? Obama: Deception you can believe in!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    NO MORE ILLEGALS
    Nimsisland
    Good Job Joe!!! I am sick of them and do not want to pay for their babies, health care, and social services anymore! Phil Gordon can shove it!!!! Go Joe!!!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Deport the Ilegals
    marc m
    Has anybody been to Southern California lately? I'm afraid that whats await us, if we have to continue to endure unbridled Illegal immigration.If every county in the country implemented the same tactics of Arpaio,Pearce and Thomas we could be Illegal Alien free within a year. GO JOE,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
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