Rep. lawmakers criticize probe of Ariz. sheriff
Mar. 18, 2009 04:16 PM

Ten Republican congressmen say a civil rights investigation of an Arizona sheriff's department could have a chilling effect on other state and local police agencies seeking to crack down on illegal immigration.

The congressmen wrote a letter on Wednesday in response to a Department of Justice investigation into allegations of discrimination and unconstitutional searches and seizures by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

That investigation followed complaints from Democratic lawmakers.

The Department of Justice didn't provide specifics of the allegations, but Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the probe was prompted by his immigration efforts.

The Republicans asked Attorney General Eric Holder to assure police agencies that they won't face similar investigations.

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