Clergy denounce crackdowns by sheriff




Associated Press - April 18, 2008 2:04 PM ET

MESA, Ariz. (AP) - A group of Jewish leaders are criticizing recent patrols by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office that have led to the arrests of more than 70 illegal immigrants.

Over the last month, the sheriff's office has conducted three crackdowns that it said were aimed at reducing crime and that led to the arrests of 150 people, nearly half of whom were illegal immigrants.

The patrols in heavily Hispanic neighborhoods in Phoenix and Guadalupe were criticized by immigrants rights advocates, some politicians and church leaders as racial profiling.

Seventeen rabbis issued a statement saying the crackdowns appear to be targeting Latinos and are creating a fearful environment for both citizens and illegal immigrants.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has denied that his deputies were racially profiling people and said the crackdowns are supported by large numbers of people.


Information from: East Valley Tribune/Scottsdale Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com
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