"The publicity surrounding these operations creates a potential for violence by the gathering of passionate militia groups and endangers the very communities the Sheriff seeks to protect.

"The Sheriff's tactics when entering a city consists of holding a press conference in advance of a local police operation, which in our opinion is inviting polarized factions to gather in these neighborhoods.

"This method of operation places our law enforcement officers at risk, because they will have to be on the frontlines of any confrontation," added Sgt. Cota. "If the Sheriff is insistent on entering Mesa, then the MPA demands that he work with the Mesa Police Department to protect the safety of our officers and the general public.

It is customary protocol among law enforcement agencies to notify another agency when entering their jurisdiction. The Sheriff's office did not contact our officers to ensure everyone's security. "Generally, the MPA supports a role for local law enforcement in the implementation of immigration laws. Local law enforcement has no ability to affect the problems with a porous border, but it can use its resources to remove criminal aliens from our communities.

"MPA looks to the support of Chief George Gascón, Mayor Keno Hawker, City Manager Chris Brady and future and current council members to advocate for effective, safe law enforcement.

To this end, the MPA hopes to convince the Sheriff to use good law enforcement practices, make timely notification to local police and pursue his operations in a manner that does not create unnecessary hazards to the community and to the good men and women of law enforcement.

"Lives are in jeopardy, and MPA wants to prevent acts of violence and accidents from occurring," Cota said. "The Sheriff is creating a dangerous situation when emotions run high and weapons are involved."

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