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Despite Budget Cuts Sheriff’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Efforts Continue Arrests Approaching 1000

Phoenix, AZ - Despite Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano taking away $1.2 million dollars given by the Arizona State legislature to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to enforce the state felony human smuggling law, Sheriff’s deputies continue to enforce that law with the arrests of 18 more illegal aliens over-night on felony charges.

Since the Governor’s widely publicized actions, nearly 300 citizens in the last eight days have already donated over $20,000 to help in Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s fight against illegal immigration. In the area of Interstate 17 and Table Mesa Road, the Sheriff’s Human Smuggling Unit arrested 16 illegal aliens, including one smuggler, Jose Francisco Aguilar-Baltazar (DOB 09/18/81). Among those arrested was Salvador Mejia (DOB 09/08/82) who had a felony Sexual Assault warrant from Yavapai County, AZ. (Aguilar-Baltazar had a misdemeanor traffic warrant out of the city of Goodyear.) 

Investigation revealed that the illegals paid between $1,700.00 and $3,300.00 to be smuggled to destinations including, Chicago, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and New York.

In furtherance of the investigation, Sheriff’s detectives obtained intelligence information regarding a drop house in Phoenix, AZ. At the drop-house four more illegal aliens were arrested on felony charges.

Though Sheriff Arpaio has come under heavy criticism from elected public officials, pro-illegal immigration activists, and others for his efforts in combating illegal immigration, he continues to enforce all laws. Despite the criticism, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office continues to be the only Arizona law enforcement agency enforcing all aspects of the state and federal illegal immigration laws. The number of felony arrests under the state law is fast approaching 1000 total.

“My deputies are continuing to enforce all laws, including state & federal illegal immigration laws, and they will continue crime suppression operations everywhere in Maricopa County.”
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