Phoenix Copwatch Media
Phoenix Copwatch Opposes Sheriff Joe’s Sanctioned Vigilantism Against Immigrants
May 8, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 8, 2006
Email: phoenix_copwatch@yahoo.com
PHOENIX COPWATCH OPPOSES SHERIFF JOE’S SANCTIONED VIGILANTISM AGAINST IMMIGRANTS
Sheriff Joe Arpaio has announced that he will be sending his posse out to patrol for suspected undocumented immigrants. Phoenix Copwatch joins with other concerned, rational residents of Maricopa County in opposing this sanctioned vigilantism against Latinos.
According to media accounts, Sheriff Joe is sending
civilian volunteers out into the deserts and streets
of Maricopa County to hunt down people suspected of
crossing the border illegally. The Sheriff’s Office
website states that although posse members are
civilian volunteers, they are allowed to carry
firearms. Phoenix Copwatch is very concerned that this
move will only inflame an already volatile situation,
pitting over-zealous armed volunteers against anyone
who seems suspicious, namely people with brown skin
and heavy accents. We’ve already had to deal with
bands of armed civilians roaming the desert on the
hunt for undocumented entrants. They’re called the
Minutemen.
Police departments across Arizona have rightly refused to get involved in immigration enforcement. They know that it will keep Hispanic residents from reporting crimes, for fear of being deported. Most law enforcement officials understand that immigration enforcement is a federal issue, and Phoenix Copwatch agrees that local jurisdictions have no business getting involved in the issue. Even the authors of Arizona’s anti-smuggling bill argue that Sheriff Joe is overstepping his authority by prosecuting suspected undocumented immigrants. But putting civilian volunteers on the hunt for migrants takes this already ridiculous idea to an absurd level.
Phoenix Copwatch is a citizen's group formed to combat abuse by the police in our community. We use a variety of means to fight police abuse including community patrols, videotaping and community education. Copwatch is completely independent from the police, all other law enforcement agencies, the government, and all political parties. We are always available for comment on stories involving police use of force and misuse of authority. More information about Phoenix Copwatch can be found at our website: www.phoenixcopwatch.org
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