The Arizona Republic
Arizona and Phoenix police officers will be trained so they can assist with the enforcement of immigration law, under a soon-to-be-announced agreement that changes the state's approach to fighting illegal immigration.
The Phoenix area is to be the focus, but the plan will put local authorities on the front line when it comes to combating border-related crime such as drug and human smuggling. Members of Phoenix police and the Arizona Department of Public Safety who complete the Immigration and Customs Enforcement training will be able to act as federal officers.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and Arizona Department of Corrections already have similar agreements in place, and sheriff's deputies were scheduled to begin specialized immigration-law training this morning.
Posted by tyne at February 28, 2007