Human smuggling crackdown yields numerous arrests
Maricopa CountySheriff’s Office

The following press release was issued by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office:

(PHOENIX, AZ) – More than 110 foreign-born criminals currently on probation in Maricopa County have been arrested by Sheriff’s deputies and now face deportation as a result of a new operation involving the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). More arrests are anticipated.

Among those being targeted are illegal aliens with felony criminal records.

The arrests so far include people on probation for sex offenses, drug crimes, and aliens with prior convictions for violent crimes. The operation began in November 2007, utilizing eleven officers working throughout the county.

Arpaio says he will give other criminal aliens two weeks to get their affairs in order, and to self surrender to Sheriff’s immigration officers or they will be tracked down at home or work and sent for immediate deportation.

“Why criminal aliens are on probation in the first place is my question,â€