Friction After Patrols in Phoenix Immigrant Area
By PAUL GIBLIN
Published: March 23, 2008

PHOENIX — Scores of sheriff’s deputies, assisted by civilian volunteers and shadowed by observers from immigration advocacy groups, conducted saturation patrols this weekend in neighborhoods where illegal immigrants live, work and worship.

The authorities said that the initial sweep, which began about sundown on Friday, led to the arrests of nine people who could not prove United States citizenship and four other people on unrelated charges like outstanding warrants.

Deputies initially stopped motorists on traffic violations and then asked them for identification.

The observers tried to ensure that people snared in the operation were treated properly by law enforcement personnel under the direction of the county’s hard-edged sheriff, Joe Arpaio.

“The guy is completely attacking an entire class of people based on their color,â€