Arizona House calls for border intelligence center

Posted: Feb 28, 2013 3:32 PM PST Updated: Feb 28, 2013 3:35 PM PST

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona lawmakers want to erect a new border intelligence center in the state's latest foray into the national immigration debate.

The House unanimously sent legislation approving the center to the Senate for approval Thursday.

The measure would establish a joint operations intelligence unit to coordinate state and federal law enforcement agencies working along the border.

The center would work closely with U.S. Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement officials.

Proponents say they want to create a drug-free zone along the border that would also target human trafficking.

They say the center would be based on the Rangers, the top criminal investigators in Texas. Texas recently sent small teams of Rangers to remote border locations to deter drug traffickers.

Arizona already has an illegal immigration prevention team.

Arizona House calls for border intelligence center