Sheriff's hotline number targets human smuggling

By The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says his office is launching a new crackdown that targets human smuggling of illegal immigrants.

Arpaio says the crackdown centers on using deputies cross-trained in immigration law scouring Phoenix-area highways and roads.

The sheriff says deputies will be looking for vehicles commonly used to move large numbers of illegal immigrants and that those vehicles will be stopped if they're seen speeding or committing other violations.

He says the crackdown won't be a roundup based on racial profiling.

Arpaio has also announced the establishment of a telephone hotline for callers to report information about illegal immigrants.

The hotline number is 602-876-4154.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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