Arpaio Launches 'Operation Desert Sky'

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona has shown himself to be a vigilant fighter against illegal immigration and border crime. And two weeks ago, he launched his own air campaign against illegal immigrants and drug criminals, The New York Times reports.

Sheriff Joe has formed what he calls his own air force -- 30 private planes that scope out illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. His name for the effort: Operation Desert Sky. Private pilots already have started flying over central Arizona on reconnaissance missions for Sheriff Joe’s deputies.

The air defense hasn’t sparked any arrests yet, but Sheriff Joe says it will act as a deterrent. “The president may have a no-fly zone over Libya, but there will never be a no-fly zone over my area,” Sheriff Joe told The Times. “That’s a good line, isn’t it?”