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.

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