Deportation threats after boy, 12, took gun to school
4 commentsby Astrid Galvan and Ali Pfauser - Aug. 6, 2008 08:09 PM
The Arizona Republic

A 12-year-old boy in custody for bringing a loaded gun to his school Wednesday now has his family facing deportation after it was determined his parents are in the country illegally, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said tonight..

The MCSO said deputies were called to Queen Creek Middle School, on Ellsworth and Queen Creek roads, after a teacher saw the boy show the gun to other students.

The teacher confiscated the 9 mm pistol, authorities said, and school officials notified MCSO. Deputies arrived at the school around noon.

The boy told MCSO that he brought the gun in his backpack because another student was picking on him, according to the sheriff's office. He was taken into custody and will be sent to a juvenile detention facility.

According to MCSO the boy is one of four children whose parents are in the country illegally, meaning the family could potentially be split up.

“I have no choice but to enforce the law,â€