By Daniel Stefanski |
A prominent Arizona law enforcement official has joined a national immigration organization as an advisor.
Late last month, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) revealed that Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb would be joining its ranks as a Law Enforcement Advisor.
According to FAIR, Lamb “will spearhead FAIR’s law enforcement outreach efforts, engaging officers and agencies across the nation on immigration issues. He will help expand FAIR’s partnerships with local law enforcement and provide insight into the critical role these agencies play in addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Sheriff Lamb will also serve as a media spokesperson and participate in FAIR’s podcasts to discuss current immigration issues.”
In a statement about his new role on a recent podcast episode, Lamb said, “I’m excited. I want to stay involved with the border stuff, want to stay involved in law enforcement, and what better opportunity to do it than right through FAIR?”
“We are thrilled to have Sheriff Lamb bring his hands-on experience and deep understanding of the border crisis to FAIR,” said Julie Kirchner, executive director of FAIR. “His firsthand knowledge of the dangers and complexities local communities face due to mass illegal immigration makes him a valuable asset. Sheriff Lamb will play a vital role in our ongoing efforts to work with law enforcement agencies to develop practical solutions to illegal immigration.”
Lamb quickly shot to national prominence through his position as the Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, which has been a hotspot for illegal immigrant and cartel activity. Pinal County is positioned between the southern border with Mexico and Maricopa County, making it a significant thoroughfare for illegal activity. Sheriff Lamb has highlighted the issues his county and state have been facing due to the increasing dangers of illegal immigration, including by hosting groups of elected officials from all around the country, who tour locations that are frequented by drug smugglers looking to take their loads from the border away into the heartland of the country.
The law enforcement professional will be taking a break from public service after his term is complete at the end of this year. Lamb served eight years as county sheriff and had oversight of more than 600 employees. In a recent interview with a local publication, Lamb reflected on his time in office, saying, “We’re very proud of all those accomplishments. I think when people look at me they say, ‘well here’s this conservative sheriff,’ but they don’t realize that I’m actually working hard for reentry, helping people in jail, helping people in the community — even the border stuff, when we contact these people, we give them the most care, we treat them with respect. We understand their plight, coming to this country. They did it illegally, but we understand it.”
He added, “We have learned to really inject humanity into this profession, but I’m also not a pushover and I’m not going to let you push bad social ideas and agendas on me either. We’re going to stand true to what we believe in and we’re gonna do it while we protect everybody and their rights and we treat everybody really well.”
Republican Ross Teeple will replace Lamb as Pinal County Sheriff after winning the General Election with almost 64% of the vote. Teeple previously served as one of Lamb’s Lieutenant Sheriffs and earned the endorsement of his boss. He has served the people of Arizona and America for more than thirty years, starting in the United States Navy.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.