Latino leaders call for Arpaio to disconnect hotline on migrants
Associated Press
07.26.2007
Tucson, Arizona | Published: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/193478.php



PHOENIX - Latino leaders and faith-based organizations want Maricopa County
Sheriff Joe Arpaio to disconnect the hotline he created for people to
report
information about illegal immigrants, saying it raises the chance of racial
profiling.

But Arpaio said Wednesday that he won't disconnect the hotline and stressed
that deputies would investigate people only if authorities had probable
cause.

The hotline began last Friday and has received about 300 messages, which
include tips about family and friends, employment, day laborers, drop
houses
and crank calls.

Arpaio said officials are analyzing the tips and officials have not acted
on
any of the calls.

"There's nothing unconstitutional about putting up a hotline," Arpaio said,
pointing out that U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and
Customs Enforcement have similar hotlines.

The hotline is part of an expanded immigration enforcement plan Arpaio
unveiled last week that also includes sheriff's deputies cross-trained to
enforce immigration law.

Some Latino advocacy groups will launch a hotline 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 that decries Arpaio's hotline.

The hotline number is 602-876-4154.