Thread: AZ - Immigration training for Pinal deputies on hold

Associated Press - March 28, 2009 12:34 PM ET

MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Plans by Pinal County to roll out an immigration task force are on hold because federal training for local law enforcement is being reviewed.

Sheriff's Lt. Tamatha Villar says eight Pinal deputies and detention officers should have been halfway through their training by now. But the Department of Homeland Security is reassessing the so-called 287(g) program and has canceled classes.

Pinal Sheriff Paul Babeu wants a separate immigration unit to focus on human smuggling.

Local enforcement is overseen by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The program has been controversial - about half of the agencies reviewed by the federal Government Accountability Office reported concern in their communities that local officers were using it for minor violations and racial profiling.


Information from: East Valley Tribune/Scottsdale Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.kvoa.com/global/story.asp?s=10087779

Sheriff's Lt. Tamatha Villar says eight Pinal deputies and detention officers should have been halfway through their training by now. But the Department of Homeland Security is reassessing the so-called 287(g) program and has canceled classes.

What's to reassess???? We need to watch this closely!