Thread: Illegal Immigrant Arrests Could Set New Precedent

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Illegal Immigrant Arrests Could Set New Precedent

They arrived by the busload, handcuffed and shackled, 53 illegal immigrants total.

Most said nothing as they walked past the media into the Fourth Avenue Jail, but earlier it was a different story.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says they admitted to paying smugglers up to $2,000 to cross the border into Arizona.

Those confessions may have sealed their fate, and set a new precedent if they are charged under the anti-smuggling law.

"This won't be the first that we've made arrests under the anti coyote law,” said Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas. “But it would be, assuming these are illegal immigrants charged, it would be the first case in which we have charged illegal immigrants for violating the law."

The County Attorney admits he's not sure how this test case will play out.
And it's unclear how this unprecedented case could affect human smuggling here in Arizona in the future.

But one thing is certain, the group of alleged illegal immigrants will spending Thursday night behind bars.

YES!! We need this! Let's enforce our LAWS