On Thursday, the Arizona Legislature stripped money from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in what Sheriff Penzone claimed was a strictly partisan move. Lawmakers reportedly took action in response to Penzone’s policy regarding working with federal authorities in the deportation, or incarceration of illegal immigrants.
Penzone said he spoke “with all due respect” when he said non-law enforcement officers should not be in the position to make decisions about law enforcement funding.
During the late night floor debate, Rep. Anthony Kern told Democrats, who objected to the move, that “elections have consequences.” Democrats responded that those consequences should not result in neighborhoods being run over by gangs.
The funds denied Penzone are from the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM).
Related article: Maricopa County Sheriff Penzone Changes Procedure For ICE Detainers
In February, shortly after taking office, Penzone announced he would no longer detain County jail inmates facing a civil immigration detainer beyond the period of time for detention authorized under Arizona State law on the advice of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The County’s decision to no longer cooperate with federal agents could have put ICE agents at risk.
The decision by Penzone and County Attorney Bill Montgomery sparked outrage and forced Penzone to announce that he was once again changing the policy.
According to a Judicial Watch report, “An average of 400 “criminal illegal immigrants” are being released every 10 days” by Penzone; “many of them violent offenders.”