Sheriff Joe Arpaio is once again questioning why agents from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) refused to take an undocumented entrant found by Sheriff’s deputies late yesterday afternoon during an interdiction patrol.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Human Smuggling Unit came into contact with two males during a traffic stop in Southern Maricopa County. During the investigation, the driver was unable to provide proper identification to operate a motor vehicle as required by state law. Both occupants later admitted to being in the country illegally.
The driver was arrested and booked into the 4th Avenue Jail on state charges while detectives attempted to turn the passenger over to ICE.
When contacted, ICE agents asked a series of questions then refused to take the undocumented entrant from Sheriff’s detectives. An ICE supervisor advised Sheriff’s detectives the undocumented entrant did not fall into their guidelines for acceptance.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio stated, “I continue to enforce the laws but keep running into road blocks. My office will continue its hard work in efforts to serve the residents of Maricopa County.” Arpaio says that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to take undocumented entrants not accepted by ICE to the Border Patrol.”
Detectives transported the undocumented entrant to the Border Patrol in Casa Grande where he was processed for deportation. This is the 82nd arrest made over the last month.