Mon, Jul 06, 2009

Tucson Region

Plan to cross- use BP agents nears passage

arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.04.2008
PHOENIX — A bill that would allow Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik to carry out plans to certify Border Patrol agents who work with his border-crimes unit narrowly passed the state House Monday.
House Bill 2359, sponsored by state Rep. Jonathan Paton, R-Tucson, quietly won approval on a 32-27 party-line vote.
The bill, which still requires Senate approval, would permit Dupnik to collaborate with the Border Patrol without first seeking approval from the Pima County Board of Supervisors. Dupnik backed away from such a plan in January in the face of opposition.
Dupnik has said he supports the House measure and will go ahead with the agreement with Border Patrol — which suggested forming an intergovernmental agreement — if the legislation passes. The issue sparked local controversy over concerns police might end up enforcing immigration law.
● By Daniel Scarpinato