The decision to no longer honor ICE requests and requiring the federal agency to obtain a warrant is the latest about-face taken by the department since Penzone took office.
“We are following our legal obligation,” he said.
The move comes as a series of cities across the country have taken a position of becoming “sanctuary” or “welcoming” cities, promising that police will not ask witnesses or suspects of their immigration status.
However, the sheriff’s decision to adopt the new policy would not make the county a so-called “sanctuary city” as they are commonly known. The new policy, Penzone said, had nothing to do with national politics or issues that occurred in the current presidential administration.
ICE agents will continue to work alongside Maricopa deputies inside the jails to identify people suspected of immigration violations, he said.
“We are not removing ICE from our jails,” he said. “We are going to continue being aggressive in enforcement the law to keep our community safe.”
Two groups that have opposed Arpaio and his policies, Puente Human Rights Movement and Mijente, commended Penzone’s decision.
“Penzone’s announcement cleans up just one of the many messes Arpaio left behind and is a step in the right direction,” Jacinta Gonzalez, field director for Mijente. “He must go further however to ensure that all law enforcement agencies are obtaining judicial warrants before entering the jails.”
Article Appeared @https://www.buzzfeed.com/salvadorhernandez/new-arizona-sheriff-says-he-will-no-longer-keep-immigrants-l?utm_term=.qign8L0nL#.afNV0KJVK