MCSO: ICE Refused to Book Admitted Illegals

Updated: Wednesday, 21 Dec 2011, 10:08 PM MST
Published : Wednesday, 21 Dec 2011, 9:57 PM MST

PHOENIX - The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday night that ICE refused to take custody of 10 admitted illegal immigrants -- 2 of whom are children.

The subjects allegedly told deputies they were in the country illegally and were on their way to New York.

When deputies contacted ICE to turn them over, they reportedly refused. MCSO contacted Border Patrol, which agreed to take custody.

However, deputies have to drive the subjects down to Casa Grande.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he's concerned.

"We've been enforcing the human smuggling laws for several years, arrested over 3,000 smugglers coming from Mexico through the county... we always call ICE, they always respond... they refused to do so," he said in a 9:30 p.m. Wednesday press conference.

"Homeland security, you will not pick up any more illegal aliens from the sheriff's office, you will do it for other agencies, but not the sheriff's office? This is another conspiracy starting with their press conference on their 3-year investigation by the Department of Justice."

Just last week, the feds stripped Sheriff Arpaio of his power to enforce federal immigration law. But he's vowed to continue to enforce state immigration laws.

Video: Watch Sheriff Arpaio's entire 9:30 p.m. press conference.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news...als-12-21-2011