Thread: AZ. sheriff expects armed conflict with cartels soon

Pinal sheriff expects armed conflict with cartels soon

by Lindsey Collom - Feb. 1, 2011 04:10 PM
The Arizona Republic

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is anticipating an armed conflict between his deputies and cartel members within the next 30 to 60 days.

Babeu's made that prediction last weekas he addressed an Ahwatukee Republican women's club, and reiterated it Tuesday on the heels of a speech by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitanoasserting that border communities are safer than ever.

A gun battle is all but certain, Babeu told The Arizona Republic, because his deputies and members of a regional SWAT team are now routinely working to stop smugglers from pushing cargo through Pinal.

"We have had enough," Babeu said. "That's why we're going into these areas and sending a very clear message to the cartels: We see you and we're not going to let you through."

An outspoken critic of U.S. immigration policy, Babeu said cartels have stepped up their tactics in Pinal County by reinforcing smuggling routes with armed guards to ward off potential bandits, in addition to stationing more lookouts on high points of the landscape. Some bandits are impersonating police, Babeu said, and he worries that smugglers won't know the difference.

"When we announce ourselves in Spanish, 'This is the sheriff, drop your weapons, this is an arrest,' I pray every time they will surrender," Babeu said. "In the event that any of them decide to point their weapons at our deputies . . . my directive is there had better be rounds going downrange to neutralize that threat."

Babeu for months has faulted Napolitano, accusing her of downplaying border-related violence and of being "divorced from reality."

Speaking at the University of Texas in El Paso, Napolitano said numbers show 30 percent less violent crime in border counties since the Southwest Border Initiative began in March 2009. And border apprehensions have decreased by 36 percent, she said, with increased manpower and technology as a deterrent.

"It is inaccurate to state, as too many have, that the border is overrun with violence and out of control," Napolitano said. "This statement, often made only to score political points, is just plain wrong."

But Babeu says apprehensions, drug seizures and immigration-related pursuits are on the rise in his county, about 70 miles north of the border.

Last year, the sheriff's office reported seizing 44,189 pounds of marijuana, initiating 335 vehicle pursuits, and making 370 calls to Border Patrol for assistance with suspected illegal immigrants. In 2007, deputies seized 28,903 pounds of pot, had 142 pursuits, and called Border Patrol 188 times.

"The border is not more secure than before and this problem hasn't gone away," Babeu said.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/pina ... z1Ckuiig42

Maybe if he keeps bitchin' loud enough, Obama will make him head of DHS
This poor Sheriff, He's the Hero here!

I will keep this man in my prayers, 'cause I have a feeling he is absolutely correct in his prediction. Isn't it his county where the cartels have issued direct threats against? I sure don't want to see any more LEO's lose their lives, at least we know his people won't be firing beanbags!!!

More Pinal County Sheriff :

Babeu: Border is full of holes
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-226441.html


Pinal sheriff: Armed conflict with drug cartels coming soon
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-226379.html

"I hope they all have body armor, they don't deserve this total lack of response from the WH! POS President! "Long as I gets mine!" ****

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

Pinal sheriff expects armed conflict with cartels soon

by Lindsey Collom - Feb. 1, 2011 04:10 PM
The Arizona Republic

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is anticipating an armed conflict between his deputies and cartel members within the next 30 to 60 days.

Babeu's made that prediction last weekas he addressed an Ahwatukee Republican women's club, and reiterated it Tuesday on the heels of a speech by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitanoasserting that border communities are safer than ever.

A gun battle is all but certain, Babeu told The Arizona Republic, because his deputies and members of a regional SWAT team are now routinely working to stop smugglers from pushing cargo through Pinal.

"We have had enough," Babeu said. "That's why we're going into these areas and sending a very clear message to the cartels: We see you and we're not going to let you through."

An outspoken critic of U.S. immigration policy, Babeu said cartels have stepped up their tactics in Pinal County by reinforcing smuggling routes with armed guards to ward off potential bandits, in addition to stationing more lookouts on high points of the landscape. Some bandits are impersonating police, Babeu said, and he worries that smugglers won't know the difference.

"When we announce ourselves in Spanish, 'This is the sheriff, drop your weapons, this is an arrest,' I pray every time they will surrender," Babeu said. "In the event that any of them decide to point their weapons at our deputies . . . my directive is there had better be rounds going downrange to neutralize that threat."

Babeu for months has faulted Napolitano, accusing her of downplaying border-related violence and of being "divorced from reality."

Speaking at the University of Texas in El Paso, Napolitano said numbers show 30 percent less violent crime in border counties since the Southwest Border Initiative began in March 2009. And border apprehensions have decreased by 36 percent, she said, with increased manpower and technology as a deterrent.

"It is inaccurate to state, as too many have, that the border is overrun with violence and out of control," Napolitano said. "This statement, often made only to score political points, is just plain wrong."

But Babeu says apprehensions, drug seizures and immigration-related pursuits are on the rise in his county, about 70 miles north of the border.

Last year, the sheriff's office reported seizing 44,189 pounds of marijuana, initiating 335 vehicle pursuits, and making 370 calls to Border Patrol for assistance with suspected illegal immigrants. In 2007, deputies seized 28,903 pounds of pot, had 142 pursuits, and called Border Patrol 188 times.

"The border is not more secure than before and this problem hasn't gone away," Babeu said.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/pina ... z1Ckuiig42

I believe those people are capable of performing any type of criminal actions after seeing how they treat innocent citizens in Mexico. However, if they want to create problems on U.S. soil let them, so an army of Americans can take care of their problems. You all have backup throughout this Country, remember!!!

Does anyone know if Napolitano has ever personally talked to Sheriff Babeu?
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Added to Homepage:
http://www.alipac.us/article-6049--0-0.html

I hate to say this but this brave sheriff is on his own out there. Don't expect any help from the white house. We know were their priorities lie especially when braindead nappy says the border is more secure than ever........

If this is going to happen id love for it to take place the day after obummer and nappy tour around telling everyone how safe the boarder is and it gets the press it deserves to inflame the citizens of this country to this problem and make it so nappy and bummer can't just pay this issiue lip service like they have been

Might be time for American citizens to help out the sheriff.........