Sheriff to Bar Illegals from Visiting County Jail Inmates (Sheriff Joe Alert!)

KTAR ^ | 7/27/2007 | Bob McClay

[Uncledave]

Sheriff to Bar Illegals from Visiting County Jail Inmates

July 27th, 2007 @ 6:49am by Bob McClay/KTAR

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is developing system designed to keep illegal immigrants from visiting county jail inmates.

Sheriff's deputies would do background checks on every one who comes for a jail visit.

"We will be looking at some type of procedure where we identify illegals coming into the jail. They won't be able to come in."

When someone comes to the jail to visit an inmate, they're required to show ID. Arpaio says the background check will be completed before their next jail visit.

Those who can't prove citizenship would be denied a second visit and could be arrested.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio says one man decides who gets to visit an incarcerated loved one. "I run the jail. I decide who goes in there."

"I run the jail and I have to be careful for security reasons."

Arpaio says screening jail visitors is nothing new. Since 2004, over 1,600 people with felony criminal histories have been turned away when trying to visit a Maricopa County jail inmate.

[Uncledave]

Sheriff Joe

[Malacoda]

Sherriff Joe for President.

[ConservaTexan]

Another brilliant idea from Sheriff Joe.

[Convert from ECUSA]

Amen and right on!

[ontap]

God I love this guy!!

[xenophiles]

What’s the point of this? Has there been a spate of breakouts by illegal immigrants? Does he have reason to think they’re more likely to bring in contraband than, say, native born mafiosi? And why do a background check instead of just checking a passport? Does this have anything to do with real security, or is it just another move to gather information on people and make life unpleasant for a group he doesn't like?

[twonie]

I wonder if other sheriffs and police are following along these lines. I hope so.

[Saint Reagan]

ACLU sues and some judge issues an injunction against him in 5... 4.... 3.... 2....

[Man50D]

New Haven Connecticut could use him.

[jokar]

I drive to Tucson about 2X a year. I will be spending my money in Maricopa county. I f it wasn’t so damned hot I would move there.

[Manic_Episode]

Let em in and make em stay.

[Bruinator]

If that be the case, then so be it. They have no rights, they are not citizens. That is the bottom line.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"We will be looking at some type of procedure where we identify illegals coming into the jail. They won't be able to come in."

I would let them in - I just wouldn't let them back out :)

[Biblebelter]

A common sense approach to security issues. What a breath of fresh air!

[Saint Reagan]

What’s the point of this? Has there been a spate of breakouts by illegal immigrants? Does he have reason to think they’re more likely to bring in contraband than, say, native born mafiosi? And why do a background check instead of just checking a passport? Does this have anything to do with real security, or is it just another move to gather information on people and make life unpleasant for a group he doesn't like?

What it has to do with is arresting criminals. If a bank robber goes to visit a friend in jail, he ought to be arrested. Similarly if an illegal alien (i.e. a criminal) goes to visit someone in jail, he should be arrested as well! It's called enforcing the law.... ever heard of it? The president and much of Congress haven't either.

[COBOL2Java]

When someone comes to the jail to visit an inmate, they're required to show ID. Arpaio says the background check will be completed before their next jail visit.

Look for lots of New Haven CT residents showing up!

[lakeman]

Sheriff Joe should be the Border Czar.

[Hat-Trick]

Let em in and make em stay.

Thank you. He should be detaining them, and then arresting them once they are found to be illegal. As should all Federal, State, and Local LE agencies.

[Guenevere]

I love this guy!....John Wayne redux!!!

[Hazcat]

The point is enforcing the law where you can. It gives the illegals notice that they are NOT wanted here and that at least some will make it difficult for them.

The point is ending the free ride and looking the other way when it comes to their status.

[hsmomx3]

I have a feeling he is going to run for governor and Nappy will endorse him.

[azsportsterman]

Uh, Tucson (New California) is in Pima County, you’re going to have to drive a little further north to get to Maricopa County.

[Centurion2000]

Another idea ... if they do pass the background check, require ENGLISH to be spoken during all visits.

[freekitty]

I love this man. Why aren’t there more like him acting in responsible roles?

[Tarantulas]

I heard him on the local radio station this morning, and that’s exactly what he said - if a visitor is found to be an illegal, they will be arrested.

They’re very careful about who comes on to County Jail property. A few years back they had us search the Tent City jail, and when we got done with that we had some time left, so they had us searching cars in the parking lot. There’s a big sign at the entrance that says “All vehicles subject to search,” so we don’t need the owner’s permission if they’re on the property. One woman came to visit her husband in jail, and when we searched her car we found drugs in it, so she was arrested on the spot and went to jail too.

The only problem with Sheriff Joe is that he’s not immortal. At some point he will decide not to run for reelection. I hope his replacement continues most of his policies.

[counterpunch]

Why bar them?
He should let them visit right there in the jail cell.
Then slam the door on them.

[freekitty]

More common sense and thank you Saint Reagan. It is rather obvious that our President and Congress haven’t heard of it either. LOL

[ravingnutter]

Well, last time I checked, being illegal was a crime and he’s the Sheriff. He’s enforcing the law, and if that is unpleasant for the criminals, so much the better.

[Shots]

Does anyone know why Joe can get away with things like this?

Don't get me wrong I think it is wonderful and he has a great mind, yet at the same time see what is going on in Hazelton where some stupid judge says they cannot check to see if individuals are legal while Sheriff Joe can?????

[healy61]

All visitors to county jail are required to show identificaiton which has to be properly issued and legitimate. Arpaio is on solid ground with his requirements for property ID. Besides, he is the duly elected sheriff with the support of the county commisioners.

[squarebarb]

“Making life unpleasant for a group he doesn’t like...”

Many of those incarcerated are, I suspect, drug cartel members, Mexican Mafia etc. They are very likely to bring messages from higher-ups and carry messages away.

Besides trying to bring in drugs etc.

Also if the sheriff continues to draw attention as a tough guy there could be violence from drug cartel members bent on vengeance.

[antiRepublicrat]

Those who can't prove citizenship would be denied a second visit and could be arrested.

I'm hoping there's some bad wording going on here, and he won't keep legal non-citizen immigrants from visiting anyone.

[OSHA]

What’s the point of this? Has there been a spate of breakouts by illegal immigrants? Does he have reason to think they’re more likely to bring in contraband than, say, native born mafiosi? And why do a background check instead of just checking a passport? Does this have anything to do with real security, or is it just another move to gather information on people and make life unpleasant for a group he doesn't like?

Lindsey Graham is that you?

[WakeUpAndVote]

Because Hazelton is in the Communistwealth of Pennsylvania.

[dennisw]

This is why GW and the Senators wanted Amnesty. To prevent mavericks like Joe Arpaio from making life very uncomfortable for illegals. So uncomfortable they move to places where they are coddled

Amnesty would have made the USA into one big illegal alien comfort zone. Not that it isn’t 70% of the way there already!

[hschliemann]

Similarly if an illegal alien (i.e. a criminal)...

The problem is that (if I understand correctly,and I may be wrong) coming across the border illegally is a civil and not criminal offense.

[dennisw]

1. Does this have anything to do with real security,?
2. or is it just another move to gather information on people and make life unpleasant for a group he doesn't like?
   

B is the correct answer and why wouldn't you support that?
Maricopa County should serve as a test case to see how much we need the illegal aliens

[LNewman]

Sheriff Joe should be the Border Czar.

Ooooh, I LOVE that idea!

[VOA]

I’m happy to give another

YOU GO, JOE!

BUMP!!!

[mbynack]

I really don’t have a problem with illegals entering the jail. I think they ought to check for green cards before they let any visitors out, though.

[VOA]

Sheriff Joe should be the Border Czar

A likely outcome if we watch the swearing in of President Mitt
Romney in January 2009.

(IIRC, Arpaio has endorsed Romney)

[spokeshave]

Xenophiles = xeno (foreigners) + philes (friend)

[hschliemann]

Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who: * Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or * Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or * Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime. Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.-http://www.americanpatrol.com/REFERENCE/isacrime.html

...but...

...illegal aliens by definition have committed an immigration violation (under the Immigration and Nationality Act). But they might not necessarily have committed a criminal violation. Illegally entering the United States is a "crime" now (although not the gravest type of crime i.e. a felony, which would carry a higher penalty than the current six months’ jail.) But the mere fact of an alien’s unlawful presence is not now a federal crime, although it is a removable offense under the Immigration Act.-http://www.vdare.com/Mann/060403_crime.htm

I'm a little confused to say the least.

[Spiff]

"We will be looking at some type of procedure where we identify illegals coming into the jail. They won't be able to come in."

I think that a better tactic would be to do the background check and then let them visit. And if they're illegal aliens, the Border Patrol is waiting for them as they leave to take them into custody.

[Prokopton]

The problem is that (if I understand correctly,and I may be wrong) coming across the border illegally is a civil and not criminal offense.

You are wrong. Coming into the Country illegally is a Federal crime with a first time penalty of 6 months in prison and 2 years in prison for subsequent violations.

[xenophiles]

What it has to do with is arresting criminals. If a bank robber goes to visit a friend in jail, he ought to be arrested. Similarly if an illegal alien (i.e. a criminal) goes to visit someone in jail, he should be arrested as well! It's called enforcing the law.... ever heard of it?

It's being sold as a measure against illegal aliens and not criminals in general -- and a "security" measure, when it has nothing to do with security -- so I don't think the ideal of enforcing the law has much to do with it, but all right, let's look at it your way. If a bank robber tries to visit someone in jail, should he be arrested? Well, yes, that sounds reasonable. If he tries to attend a funeral, should he be arrested? Sure, why not, it's called enforcing the law. Should people who want to attend funerals be subjected to background checks? Um... wait... what happened?

Suddenly it doesn't sound so good. It worked before because visiting someone in jail seems vaguely disreputable -- not illegal, just disreputable. The thing that makes this measure acceptable has nothing to do with law enforcement or security.

I think people who want to live in a police state or a class-based society should just say so, instead of hiding behind "security" or "law enforcement".

[Prokopton]

Your source is incorrect. Entering the U.S. illegally is a always a Federal Crime.

Section 1325. Improper entry by alien

(a) Improper time or place; avoidance of examination or inspection;
misrepresentation and concealment of facts
Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States
at any time or place other than as designated by immigration
officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration
officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United
States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the
willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first
commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or
imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent
commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or
imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
(b) Improper time or place; civil penalties
Any alien who is apprehended while entering (or attempting to
enter) the United States at a time or place other than as
designated by immigration officers shall be subject to a civil
penalty of -
(1) at least $50 and not more than $250 for each such entry (or
attempted entry); or
(2) twice the amount specified in paragraph (1) in the case of
an alien who has been previously subject to a civil penalty under
this subsection.

Civil penalties under this subsection are in addition to, and not
in lieu of, any criminal or other civil penalties that may be
imposed.
(c) Marriage fraud
Any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the
purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be
imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined not more than
$250,000, or both.
(d) Immigration-related entrepreneurship fraud
Any individual who knowingly establishes a commercial enterprise
for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws
shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, fined in accordance
with title 18, or both.

[xenophiles]

A. Does this have anything to do with real security,?
B. or is it just another move to gather information on people and make life unpleasant for a group he doesn't like?

B is the correct answer and why wouldn't you support that?

Umm... because I'd like to live in a free society. I'm more afraid of racist mobs and autocratic sheriffs than I am of Mexican poolboys.

[spokeshave]

Xenophiles meet MS13.....enjoy

[gcruse]

“require ENGLISH to be spoken during all visits.’

I don’t think so.