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Politicians, law enforcement gather for immigration conference
Nov 1, 2005, 11:11 AM PST
Lawmakers, law enforcement officials and others will gather at a conference late this week to talk about illegal immigration, an issue that continues to gain attention locally and nationally.


The Southwest Conference on Illegal Immigration, Border Security and Crime is being hosted by Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas in Scottsdale starting Thursday.

Thomas said he hopes the conference will help generate solutions to deal with the growing problem.

"Illegal immigration is a tremendous problem nationally, but particularly in Arizona and the Southwest," he said.

Thomas, who campaigned last year with promises that he would help address the issue, acknowledged that border security is a federal responsibility, but he said there is a need for local leaders to step up.

Immigrant trafficking is often associated with other crimes. "Illegal immigration is directly linked to other crimes, particularly identity theft and auto theft," Thomas said.

The conference, which Thomas said would draw up to 250 people, is scheduled to include panel discussions on the effects of illegal immigration on public safety, what law enforcement can do and other topics.

It runs through Saturday.

Arizona has become of the nation's busiest crossing points for illegal aliens in recent years. The number of people of crossing, and the problems often associated with illegal immigration, has resulted in growing backlash among Arizona voters and some politicians.