Thread: Arpaio launches illegal immigrant roundup ahead of new law

Published: 10.01.2007

Arpaio launches illegal immigrant roundup ahead of new law
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX - New laws in Cave Creek that ban loitering and prohibit drivers from stopping on town roads do not take effect until Oct. 24.
But that isn't stopping the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office from launching its own crackdown.
Last Thursday, the sheriff's office arrested nine undocumented immigrants just outside a Cave Creek church sanctuary.
"We're not waiting for the 30 days for these ordinances to be implemented," said Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "We have received a lot of calls about Cave Creek having drophouses and illegals in the area."
The Rev. Glenn Jenks of Cave Creek's Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church calls the Cave Creek community shortsighted. "This may make the sheriff look tough, but it's not in the best interest of the community," Jenks said.
For more than six years, Jenks' church has served as a sanctuary for day laborers and potential employers to hook up.
Cave Creek officials said the laws could improve the town's image.
They are also confident their new ordinances will be found legal if challenged in court.
"The problem with some of these laws is they're just so overly broad and vague," said American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona spokeswoman Alessandra Soler Meetze.
Cave Creek Vice Mayor Gilbert Lopez said he met with constitutional lawyers to frame the town's new laws.
Lopez said the ordinances are something the town has considered for many years.
"Our citizens in the town have been suggesting and been telling us for some time they thought we ought to visit such (ordinances)," Lopez said.
The crackdown may not be over. Next month, the Cave Creek council may consider new laws against public urination and those who hire undocumented immigrants, said Mayor Vincent Francia.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/203968

Sheriff Arpaio is a great American patriot!

Cave Creek Vice Mayor Gilbert Lopez ........