Arpaio launches 16th immigration sweep in desert
Arpaio launches 16th immigration sweep in desert
July 15, 2010 4:29 pm
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office launched its 16th crime and immigration sweep Thursday in a stretch of desert in the southwestern portion of the county.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio says the one-day sweep was prompted by reports of many drug and immigrant smugglers moving through the Vekol Valley.
Since early 2008, Arpaio has launched patrols that seek out traffic violators and arrest other offenders, such as people accused of human smuggling.
Critics say officers racially profile Latinos in the patrols. Arpaio denies the allegations, saying people pulled over in the sweeps are approached because deputies have probable cause to believe they committed crimes.
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