The sheriffs from Cochise and Pinal counties have teamed up to create a fund intended to help them defend against possible backlash created by the soon-to-go-into-effect state immigration law.
Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu announced the startup of a legal defense fund for issues dealing with SB 1070, according to a news release issued by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department.
The fund is meant to help those sheriffs “defend themselves against pro-amnesty groups and federal government lawsuits” as well as explore the possibility of counter litigation, the release said.
Babeu and Dever announced the fund’s creation Thursday morning on a Phoenix radio program.
SB 1070, which will require local and state law enforcement to determine immigration status if they have reason to believe a person is in the country illegally, is set to go into effect July 29.
The legal defense fund is being managed by The Legacy Foundation, an Iowa-based nonprofit organization.
Babeu and Dever have enlisted the Phoenix-based Rose Law Group to serve as their legal team for any legal challenges they face while implementing SB 1070, the release said.
Donation can be made online at www.bordersheriffs.com
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