By Jim Cross
Originally published: Mar 6, 2013 - 11:33 am

PHOENIX -- Claims by Immigration and Customs Enforcement that hundreds of illegal immigrants who were released from detention centers last week were low-risk and non-violent is completely false, said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

Babeu said federal whistle blowers are telling him that some of the immigrants released have serious criminal histories.

"Drug smugglers with cartel ties, forgery, aggravated assault on police officers, convicted child molesters. Everything these whistle blowers have said has checked out almost completely."

The sheriff said he has also been informed that some of those who were released were facing manslaughter charges and several of those who were released were convicted of extreme DUI.

"What happens when they get into a head on collision with a family? Who will be responsible? Certainly not me or the governor. It's Janet Napolitano and whomever was involved in this."

Babeu said California Congressman Darrell Issa has announced that he will be launching a formal investigation into this matter.

Babeu: ICE lied about crimes of released immigrants - Phoenix News - KTAR.com