October 8, 2009
Stripping of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Authority to Arrest Suspected Illegal Aliens a Mistake
The Editors
The Department of Homeland Security has stripped Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his deputies of their ability to arrest suspected illegal aliens solely on the basis of their possible illegal status.
Arpaio is sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona. Not only have his attempts to curb illegal aliens entering the country caught a lot of national attention, but his cost-cutting measures in prison and old-fashioned striped uniforms – and pink underwear – have too.
Arpaio claims the DHS’s decision not to renew the agreement (known as a 287(g) agreement) that allows the sheriff and his deputies to engage in immigration enforcement on the streets is “all politics” and plans to continue his program – “saturation patrols in designated areas where deputies would find illegal immigrants by stopping them for traffic infractions and minor violations.”
Reps. Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) issued a statement in response to the DHS decision. Smith is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee and one of the authors of the legislation that created the 287(g) program. Franks, a member of the Judiciary Committee, represents Maricopa County and has been a vocal advocate of immigration enforcement.
“This unbelievable move by the administration represents a politicized attempt to hinder one of our most effective illegal immigration enforcement mechanisms, the 287(g) program.
“The key to combating illegal immigration is federal, state, and local cooperation. This is why we believe it is crucial for the federal government to continue to support individuals like Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the implementation of agreements under section 287(g), which provides for the Department of Homeland Security to delegate authority to enforce federal immigration laws to state and local officials.
“To date, hundreds of local officers have been trained in enforcing U.S. immigration laws, and nowhere in the country is this more critical than in Maricopa County. Currently, over 33 percent of inmates in Maricopa County Sheriff facilities are illegal, and more than 53 percent of violent crimes in Maricopa County are committed by illegal immigrants.
"The fact is, the 287(g) program works. Thousands of illegal immigrants apprehended for other crimes are being identified and deported.
“Claims that the program was supposed to focus only on serious crimes are false. In fact, the program was created to let state and local law enforcement officials help enforce all immigration laws, not a select few. We must not forget that we live in a post-9/11 world and have a profound responsibility to secure the borders of this nation to prevent another terrorist attack. Terrorists are looking for our weakest link and will exploit such weaknesses at any cost. Border security and national security are inextricably linked.
“Local law enforcement agencies deserve the thanks, and not punishment, of the federal government for helping to address the problem of rampant illegal immigration, especially in area like Maricopa County that see an increase in crime, drug trafficking, and other issues because of it.
“Instead of launching a politicized attack against a local law official who has yielded great success with the 287(g) program, the administration should replicate the success we have experienced in Maricopa County in other areas that are desperately in need of similar solutions. It is reprehensible for DHS to bully law enforcement officials who have honorably served this nation and the state of Arizona by enforcing federal and state laws and who are continuing to work to protect the American people.”
Reader Comments: Submit Your Comment (6)
Dear Sirs: The Department of Homeland Security lacks the lawful authority to interfere with the Sherriff (of any county) unless the Constitution has been suspended...
posted by : Mike Cyrus
Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Sherriff Joe knows what he is doing . I wish we had more like him ,we would be better off as a Nation now .
posted by : Robbie
Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Get rid of Janet and hire Joe
posted by : statb
Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 02:43 PM
If Joe Arpaio was hired to do Napolitano's job, he would be the ONLY person (civilian) in Washington with a brain. But, there are several in the Pentagon who are brain dead too.
posted by : marineseabee
Friday, October 9, 2009 at 04:26 AM
This is just Janet Napolitano and her ongoing hatered and disrespect for one of the most successfull and respected Sheriffs in America. Janet was an awful Governor and a worse Director of Homeland Security. I was happy to see her leave her position here in Arizona, but I wouldn't shove her off an any one, much less our great country. She will distroy our security even more.
posted by : Marco
Friday, October 9, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Sheriff Joe Arpaio should run for president. I would vote for him.
Hello DHS they are ILLEGALLY in the US. Get a clue
posted by : Maureen Basquez
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 01:32 PM
