PHOENIX (AP) - The county sheriff said he won't disconnect a hot line he created for people to report information about illegal immigrants that has been decried as promoting ethnic profiling.
|
|
The hot line began last Friday and has received about 300 messages, which include tips about family and friends, employment, day laborers, houses where smugglers drop illegal immigrants, and crank calls.
Arpaio said officials are analyzing the tips but have not acted on any of them.
"There's nothing unconstitutional about putting up a hotline," Arpaio said, pointing out that federal immigration officials have similar hot lines.
Some Latino advocacy groups will launch a hot line of their own to take tips from people who believe they've been unfairly reported to Arpaio's hotline, said activist Mary Rose Wilcox, a Maricopa County supervisor.
Meanwhile, some faith-based organizations are circulating a letter among church leaders and members criticizing Arpaio's hot line.
On the Net:
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: http://www.mcso.org
Comments