America’s Sheriff Arpaio to be stripped of 287g immigration rule

Say it ain’t so Joe; the Obama Administration is planning to strip America’s Sheriff of the ability to deal with the staggering illegal immigration problems Arizona continues to fight.

Not only is Arizona home to the second highest kidnappings in the world, the deluge of crime spills over into local communities. In an effort to protect Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has used Federal Law 287g to alleviate the ever-growing problems and protect its residents.

In a joint statement, Rep. Trent Franks-AZ and Lamar Smith-TX urged the Obama Administration and Department of Homeland Security to rethink their position on 287g regarding Maricopa County.

“The key to combating illegal immigration is federal, state and local cooperation,” Smith and Franks said. “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 287g, which provides for the Department of Homeland Security to delegate authority to enforce federal immigration laws to state and local officials.”

According to Arizona state data, more than 33 percent of inmates in Maricopa County Sheriff facilities are legal residents, while more than 53 percent of violent crimes committed in the county are perpetrated by illegal aliens.

“The fact is, 287g program works. Thousands of illegal immigrants apprehended for other crimes are being identified and deported,” Smith says.

Franks believes local law enforcement should be getting a thank you, not punishment for assisting the federal government in addressing the problem of rampant illegal immigration. “Maricopa County has seen an increase in crime, drug trafficking and other issues because of the immigration problem,” Franks explains.

“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,” Franks finished.

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