Judicial Watch is leading a major nationwide campaign against illegal immigration sanctuary policies that prevent local police officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials. One of our key arguments against these policies (and there are many) is that they put American citizens at risk by allowing illegal alien criminals onto the streets to commit more crimes when they should be deported.

On October 2nd, the Maricopa County, Arizona District Attorney’s office released crime statistics that prove this point. Overall, while illegals represent only nine percent of the population in Maricopa County (which includes Phoenix) they are responsible for approximately 22% of the crimes committed. Here is a breakdown of statistics by crime category. Illegal aliens account for:

· 33.5% of those sentenced for manufacture, sale or transport of drugs.
· 35.8% of those sentenced for kidnapping.
· 20.3% of those sentenced for felony DUI.
· 16.5% of those sentenced for violent crimes.
· 18.5% of those sentenced for property crimes.
· 44% of those sentenced for forgery and fraud.
· 85.3% of those convicted of criminal impersonation or false ID.
· 96% of those convicted of human smuggling.