Thread: An Arizona sheriff said illegal immigrants have been living

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1:59pm | September 16, 2010
UPDATED: 7:12 am MST September 16, 2010


PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. -- An Arizona sheriff said illegal immigrants have been living in caves and operating as drug spotters.


Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said deputies recently found communications equipment, a supply of food and binoculars in a cave near Sawtooth Mountain in Silverbell.


A Silverbell resident was flying his private plane in July near the mountain when he spotted an individual standing near a cave at Wild Cat Peak. Babeau said when deputies checked out the cave, they found a man was living there illegally.


The man, who was deported, may have been a spotter for drug activity, the sheriff said.



Last week, another Silverbell resident, Nancy Henderson, reported rifles, food, batteries, night vision equipment, binoculars and clothing had been stolen from her home while she was away.

"I don't feel safe," said Henderson. "I know they are still out there. I know they are on the mountains watching."
Babeu said evidence indicates several individuals carried the stolen property through the desert and into the Sawtooth Mountains near Wild Cat Peak.


"This isn't an isolated incident," said Babeu. "We have spotters and lookouts throughout Pinal County in high points through this drug and human smuggling corridor."


Residents on Monday attended a press conference saying they are afraid to leave their homes because spotters watch their every move.

"This is happening in my backyard," said Henderson, "and I strongly believe if something isn't done to stop these people it's going to be in all of your backyards before long."

Babeu is asking county supervisors to approve $1.5 million to hire more deputies to battle the illegal immigration problem.


“Our county has $26 million in a financial stability fund," said Babeu. "We also have nearly $6 million in a reserve fund, which is a rainy day fund. Guess what? It's not raining. It's pouring."


"Many of our Pinal County residents are forced to live in constant fear because the federal government has refused to take the necessary action to secure our borders immediately,â€

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-212347.html

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