Feds Strip Sheriff Arpaio of Immigration Powers

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he would continue his "crime suppression" sweeps to enforce immigration laws in Arizona, after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stripped him of powers to arrest illegals based solely on their immigration status, the East Valley Tribune reports.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he would continue his "crime suppression" sweeps to enforce immigration laws in Arizona, after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stripped him of powers to arrest illegals based solely on their immigration status, the East Valley Tribune reports.

The DHS reneged on an agreement signed with Arpaio on Sept. 21 that allowed street patrols to arrest illegal aliens. Arpaio can continue to check the immigration status of inmates entering county jails.

The Department of Justice and other federal agencies are currently investigating Arpaio's office on racial profilling accusations. Arpaio has been operating under a 287(g) agreement with DHS that is the subject of the friction with current federal officials.

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Related:

The Tough Guy, Police Magazine's profile of Sheriff Arpaio.

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