Thread: Clergy denounce crackdowns by sheriff

Clergy denounce crackdowns by sheriff




Associated Press - April 18, 2008 2:04 PM ET

MESA, Ariz. (AP) - A group of Jewish leaders are criticizing recent patrols by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office that have led to the arrests of more than 70 illegal immigrants.

Over the last month, the sheriff's office has conducted three crackdowns that it said were aimed at reducing crime and that led to the arrests of 150 people, nearly half of whom were illegal immigrants.

The patrols in heavily Hispanic neighborhoods in Phoenix and Guadalupe were criticized by immigrants rights advocates, some politicians and church leaders as racial profiling.

Seventeen rabbis issued a statement saying the crackdowns appear to be targeting Latinos and are creating a fearful environment for both citizens and illegal immigrants.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has denied that his deputies were racially profiling people and said the crackdowns are supported by large numbers of people.


Information from: East Valley Tribune/Scottsdale Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com
http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=8193700

Seventeen rabbis issued a statement saying the crackdowns appear to be targeting Latinos and are creating a fearful environment for both citizens and illegal immigrants.

First, i'm a citizen and I'm not the least bit frightened or concerned that I will be deported. Second, if your illegal, YOU should feel fear everyday of your life that you remain in this country as an illegal invader!

Finally, the crackdowns are not targeting latinos specifically. It's not our fault that the majority of illegals in this country happen to be from Latin America.

I suppose the Rabbi would suggest we cease all immigration raids because those who are in fact guilty might be offended.

rabbi , not to worry .The Pheonix police will soon patrol the area . Then you will have the War Zone all of you seem to truely want

I'm really growing tired of religious figures preaching from their tax-exempt pulpit about matters of law enforcement. If they want a say, let them pay the entry ticket price, TAXES!

If they want illegals to stay, let THEM pay for it.

Why aren't any of them being threatened with having their tax-exempt status yanked? Let me guess, it's one other place our politicians lack any backbone.