MCSO Sheriff Jerry Sheridan clarifies stance on handling ICE in the Valley

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan clarified his stance on how he would handle Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Valley Saturday following comments he made earlier in the week about taking action against any unlawful behavior by them.

In a video posted to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Instagram, Sheridan emphasized that as a “constitutional sheriff” he will arrest anyone who interferes with ICE agents operating in the metro Phoenix area.

“When ICE is here doing their job, of their responsibility, I will be here to protect them to do that and keep people from interfering with them,” Sheridan said. “Anyone will be arrested if they interfere with federal officers doing their duty.”

Sheridan added that he wanted to clarify himself after giving what he called a “pointed answer” to KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on Wednesday about not being afraid to take action against any unlawful behavior by ICE.

“(It is) my duty as your elected sheriff,” Sheridan said Wednesday. “If they’re doing something that is illegal (or) unlawful, the sheriff will be there.”

Before Sheridan talked about policing ICE if needed, he reminded anyone who chooses to protest the law enforcement agency’s presence in the Valley to remain peaceful and not let demonstrations escalate due to emotion.

In the Instagram video, Sheridan added that MCSO works and cooperates with ICE, noting that it even has two ICE agents in its intake facility.

“So, there should be no question that your sheriff, the constitutional sheriff, will enforce the law when necessary and will not tolerate any violation of the law,” Sheridan said.

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