Thread: AZ-Goddard backs changes to immigration raids

Thursday, July 16, 2009, 2:27pm MST
Goddard backs changes to immigration raids
by Mike Sunnucks
Comments (1)

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard said Thursday he supports changes to federal immigration polices on local police raids.

The changes could impact Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s enforcement efforts, including raids on drop houses and businesses, conducted under a federal pact signed in April 2007.

Arpaio said, however, he will continue to conduct raids and crime sweeps under state immigration laws aimed at businesses that hire undocumented workers and the smuggling of illegal immigrants into the U.S.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said earlier this month that the Obama administration is reworking immigration polices that involve partnerships with local police. The changes look to focus investigations more on serious criminals, including gangs and drug cartels. Goddard said Thursday the changes make sense and that local enforcement should focus more on serious criminals rather than immigrant smuggling.

“We have to look at getting the biggest bang for the buck,â€

Go Sheriff Joe!

Arpaio has such courage, I don't know why more law enforcement don't back him up.