Thread: AZ: County attorney, sheriff want $5.6M to help nab illegal

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/84300

February 17, 2007
County attorney, sheriff want $5.6M to help nab illegal immigrants
Jill Redhage, Tribune
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and County Attorney Andrew Thomas claim they’re entitled to more than 60 percent of the $8 million or $9 million in “pass-through” funds intended for officers trained to enforce immigration law.

The duo hand-delivered their request for $5.6 million of the pot to the Legislature on Thursday, Arpaio said.

The money would help them “continue their aggressive fight against illegal immigration and the violent crime associated with it in Maricopa County,” a sheriff’s office news release said.

The money is meant for state and local law enforcement agencies certified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to assist in enforcing immigration laws.

Arpaio said the funds would pay for equipment and salaries for deputies and prosecutors.

Specifically, Arpaio wants 36 more deputies and 10 vehicles, plus buses to transport the people they arrest. They would also buy police radios, Taser guns, computer equipment and desks.

“We want part of the action,” Arpaio said. “If they don’t give it, I’m going to ask why, and then I’m going to continue to arrest illegal aliens.”

Arpaio said his office has arrested more than 450 illegal immigrants under Arizona’s new law against human smuggling since April.

Thomas claims a 90 percent conviction rate for the cases that have been resolved so far.

“Maricopa County’s successful antihuman-smuggling program has served the taxpayers well. This additional funding will help ensure continued success,” Thomas said.

A state Department of Public Safety lobbyist could not be reached for comment about who should receive the funds.
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Come on cough it up, this guy is a real southwest hero and should get all the help he asks for, To bad the rest of the country's law enforcement is afraid to do their job!!