Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says scrutiny of racial and ethnic profiling by incoming President Barack Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will not deter his get-tough approach to illegal immigration.
“I’m not stopping,” said Arpaio. The Republican sheriff said he plans to continue crime sweeps and raids aimed at illegal immigrants and businesses that employ them.
The Obama administration and Holder are expected to increase the focus on racial and ethnic profiling by police. Critics of Arpaio’s immigration enforcement argue the sheriff’s office targets Hispanics and such actions take away from more serious investigations.
Arpaio said his immigration sweeps are nondiscriminatory and if people have complaints they can contact federal authorities. “Go ahead and take them to the FBI,” said Arpaio, who just won reelection to a fifth term.
Arpaio said another immigration sweep will soon occur.
The U.S. Justice Department under Obama is expected to put a greater focus on discrimination, corporate corruption and consumer protection cases compared with the Bush administration’s priorities in national security, child pornography, *** rings and immigration.
Public opinion polls generally show support in Maricopa County for Arpaio’s get-tough policies.
There are an estimated 579,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona, most coming from Mexico, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. The U.S. recession and housing troubles have reduced the flow of migrants and sent some undocumented workers back to that country.
Arizona also is a key entry point into the U.S. for drug traffickers and other smugglers as northern Mexico cities are besieged by drug cartels, which reach into the Phoenix area with gun purchases and other activity.
Herman
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This post was written by admin on April 21, 2009
Leslie
Obama. Rev Jessie and the ACLU will hinder Joe. I see them setting up welcome stands for illegals with processing offices of the DNC to register them upon arrival!
Tamara
We shall see.. but he is a very popular man. I hope not. If he does, it will be a very, very clear sign he does not understand the issue.
Clinton
Given “Sheriff Joe’s” popularity and positive results, the best thing BO, et al, can do is keep their mouths shut about it. BO, abandoned by both his father & stepfather, then his mother, too, has an inordinate need to be loved & approved. If he does anything which brings vocal & vehement criticism from voters, he cannot take it.
If he has half a brain, he’ll keep his mouth shut. He has to know that the White House telephone operators will get a torrent of phone calls, emails, protests, etc, if he criticizes Sheriff Joe or tries to introduce any sort of amnesty. Especially now that jobs are so scarce and people are flaming mad about being laid off & their jobs given to tax-evading employment visa holders and illegal aliens!
Glen
Nope. Go Joe!!!
Allan
NO! GO JOE!!!
Ramon
President Oreo needs to stay out of Sheriff Joe’s way
Annette
Sheriff Joe is the MAN! At least he has the “stuff” to stand up for what U.S. tax paying citizens want!
Leon
Joe would just tell that @sshole Obama to go **** in his hat! Obama is president NOT God as some sheeple seem to believe. Joe is one of a very few elected officials who actually do what the people want! We need more like him!
Sharon
Let’s hope he puts an end to the Racial profiling and the outrages cost he’s put on Arizona tax payers. Joe Arpaio is the poster child on how immigration enforcement shouldn’t be handled.
This is the site he doesn’t want you to see:
JoesGotToGo.com - For too long, Joe Arpaio has put politics and publicity before law enforcement and the safety of Maricopa County residents. He has squandered millions of taxpayer dollars for his own political gain. Under his watch, Maricopa County has become a safe haven for felons, as tens of thousands of felony warrants (and counting) go unserved. Joe Arpaio has been in office far too long. It’s time for the abuses to come to light. It’s time for change. It’s time for Joe to go!