Thread: Sheriff WON'T End Hot Line on Migrants

Jul 26, 8:33 PM EDT

Sheriff Won't End Hot Line on Migrants

PHOENIX (AP) -- The county sheriff said he won't disconnect a hot line he created for people to report information about illegal immigrants that has been decried as promoting ethnic profiling.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio stressed Wednesday that deputies would investigate people only if authorities had probable cause.

The hot line began last Friday and has received about 300 messages, which include tips about family and friends, employment, day laborers, houses where smugglers drop illegal immigrants, and crank calls.

Arpaio said officials are analyzing the tips but have not acted on any of them.

"There's nothing unconstitutional about putting up a hotline," Arpaio said, pointing out that federal immigration officials have similar hot lines.

Some Latino advocacy groups will launch a hot line of their own to take tips from people who believe they've been unfairly reported to Arpaio's hotline, said activist Mary Rose Wilcox, a Maricopa County supervisor.

Meanwhile, some faith-based organizations are circulating a letter among church leaders and members criticizing Arpaio's hot line.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/ ... SECTION=US

Arpaio Meets with Valley Religious Leaders
August 1st, 2007 @ 4:30pm
by Associated Press

Valley religious leaders met with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for over an hour Wednesday to discuss immigration.

The leaders expressed their concern about the sheriff's immigrant hotline and said it will result in racial profiling.

"My concern and I think it's the concern of many of us, as it's presented to us, we feel it's divisive," said one leader.

They presented Arpaio with a letter from 90 Valley religious leaders asking Arpaio to discontinue the hotline.

Arpaio said he will not remove the hotline. "The hotline stays. It's gonna be there. We're going to monitor it very carefully."

Arpaio told the group he was honored to meet with them, and asked them to be patient.

"I have confidence in my staff that they will do the right thing and we'll see how it works out. Give us a chance. Give us a chance," he said.

http://ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=557255

They never quit (the pro amnesty, pro illegal crowd). It doesn't matter if what the Sheriff is doing is legal or beneficial all that matters is whether or not it inconveniences illegals.

Arpaio has courage. He doesn't back down like so many leaders do.

Good for him for having the strength to stand by his convictions, and by THE LAW!!