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Ariz. to get more cooperation on immigration

Mary Jo Pitzl
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 18, 2006 03:18 PM


Gov. Janet Napolitano said today the state has found a willing partner in the federal government, which will help the state and county beef up immigration control in Arizona.

In a brief news conference with Alonzo Pena, special agent in charge of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Arizona, as well as Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Napolitano gave few details, other than to hold the promise of greater cooperation.

"We are talking about how to develop a comprehensive strategy to develop an interior enforcement plan," said Pena, who was started his job two months ago.

That means more focus on the Phoenix metro area and places in northern Arizona, where many illegals move toward as they disperse through the country, he said.

It also could translate into a get-tough approach to employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, as well as an educational component to help employers avoid being duped into hiring illegal workers, Pena said.

Napolitano said state police already are authorized to inquire about the immigration status of people whom they stop, but the dilemma has been what to do with a suspected illegal immigrant.

"The problem is we didn't have a federal partner to turn an illegal over to," she said, suggesting that the agreement will end that stalemate.

Arpaio said the changes will happen "very, very soon," and suggested some may be controversial.