Protesters delay immigration sweep
by Associated Press (July 29th, 2010 @ 1:43pm)
PHOENIX -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio delayed the start of his 17th immigration and crime sweep by four hours Thursday because deputies assigned to the patrols were needed outside a downtown jail where hundreds of immigrant rights supporters were rallying.
News of protesters blocking the jail's entrance prompted Arpaio to interrupt a press conference that was intended to kick off the sweep.
Arpaio was heard telling a sheriff's official in a phone call to arrest anyone who resists his deputies.
He said the sweep will definitely be launched in the late afternoon.
The protesters were rallying in opposition to Arizona's new immigration law.
A judge put the most controversial elements of the law on hold, but allowed other portions to take effect.
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